Man charged with attempted murder after Logan stabbing

An elderly woman stabbed at her Logan home was a cancer survivor who helped people during the housing crisis, her family has revealed, as the man accused of her attempted murder is named.

The scene where an elderly woman was stabbed. Pic: Channel 9

An elderly woman who was left with life-threatening injuries following an alleged stabbing at a home south of Brisbane has been identified.

Emergency services attended a residence on Short St, Boronia Heights around 11.40pm on Saturday and located Valerie Paterson, a 70-year-old who resides at the address, with life-threatening injuries.

The grandmother, who has survived cancer, is now recovering in Princess Alexandra Hospital and is in a stable condition.

Police took 40-year-old Boronia Heights man Geoffrey Leone Arthur Awhitu into custody at the scene and charged him with attempted murder, enter dwelling with intent by break at night and wilful damage.

It’s understood Awhitu was known to the woman through another resident at Ms Paterson’s home.

A family member told The Courier-Mail that Ms Paterson had “opened up her home” to those struggling during the housing crisis.

The family member said Awhitu had been living at the property for about nine months.

The matter was briefly mentioned in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Awhitu was also charged with one count of common assault (domestic violence). The court did not hear whether the charge was related to Ms Paterson.

Court documents alleged Awhitu broke into Ms Paterson’s home, attempting to kill her and damaging mirrors.

The common assault charge was not related towards Ms Paterson.

Defence lawyer Sophia Dreese requested a full brief of evidence and an adjournment.

No application for bail was made.

The matter was adjourned to February 19 next year for committal mention.

Awhitu was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Man charged with attempted murder after Logan stabbing