Peter James Nogar in court for burglary, serious assault

In the early hours of the morning while an elderly woman slept, her neighbour broke into her home intending to rob her. What followed would leave her injured and terrified.

In the early hours of the morning, an elderly woman was asleep in her bed, unaware that she was about to fall victim to a terrifying crime.

The details of the night Peter James Nogar broke into his neighbour’s home were read out before Hervey Bay District Court on Wednesday, when Nogar pleaded guilty to burglary by break-in at night, and serious assault.

The court heard about 4am on December 30, Nogar broke into his elderly neighbour’s Torquay home through a window.

He then went into the bedroom, hoping to find her purse.

The woman woke up to the sound of her dog barking and at first thought Nogar was her grandson before realising the man was unknown to her.

In the terrifying moments that followed, Nogar held his hand over her mouth, then struck or slapped her, the court was told.

At times when she had his hand over her mouth, and because of her fear, she struggled to breathe, the court heard.

The woman sustained abrasions to her face and left arm.

The court heard Nogar had been on parole at the time of the offence.

The father of five had previously been convicted of another crime committed against a neighbour, the court heard.

He had been sentenced for wilful exposure after exposing his genitalia to a different neighbour.

The court heard Nogar had ongoing mental health issues and had been sexually abused as a child.

He had schizophrenia that had been induced by his drug use and he was taking medication.

The details of the night Peter James Nogar broke into his neighbour’s home were read out before Hervey Bay District Court on Wednesday, when he pleaded guilty to burglary by break in the night and serious assault.

Nogar would be able to move in with his grandfather in Hervey Bay or with family in Townsville upon his release, the court was told

Judge Vicki Loury said people should be allowed to feel safe in their own homes at night.

“As I said to you, no doubt this was a terrifying situation for her and she no doubt was terrified about what it was that you were going to do to her.

“Thankfully she sustained only minor injuries, likely because she had the courage and the wherewithal to speak to you in a calm manner which resulted in you ending your assault upon her and leaving her house.”

Judge Loury acknowledged that Nogar had expressed regret for his actions.

Nogar was sentenced to three years in prison and would be eligible for parole from December 29, 2022.

The 152 days he had spent in presentence custody was declared as time served.