‘Appalling attack’: Man charged over alleged sexual assault of elderly woman, 92

A 28-year-old man has been charged over the alleged physical and sexual assault of an elderly woman during a home invasion in Sydney’s inner west.

Police were called to Burton Street in Concord just before 4am on Saturday, January 23 following reports a man had broken into the woman’s home and physically and sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene with a wallet and some cash, the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement.

The woman had activated her emergency medical alarm during the incident, which alerted her son, who attended the residence and contacted emergency services. She was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at the time and has since been released into the care of her family. She suffered from cuts and bruises.

“A crime scene was established at the home, which continued to be forensically examined at the weekend,” police said.

Following extensive inquiries, the 28-year-old man was arrested about 5pm on Sunday and was taken to Burwood Police Station. There he was charged with several offences including aggravated break and enter, aggravated sex assault, sexually touch another person without consent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man has been refused bail and is expected to appear Burwood Local Court on Monday.

According to a 7News report, Detective Acting Superintendent Chris Goddard said he was appalled by the alleged attack.

“It’s certainly a very appalling attack, in my opinion, horrendous crimes,” he said. “Horrendous crimes, some of the most heinous crimes in the crimes act have been committed against this poor defenceless vulnerable member of our community.”

It comes almost three weeks after an elderly Perth couple, both aged 90, were left bloodied and bruised after three males assaulted and robbed them. During the brutal attack the woman received bruising to her face, foot, arms and hands, while the man was struck on the head.