Arrest brings relief for mugging victim

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An elderly woman who was mugged in a Christchurch shopping centre car park says the arrest of her alleged attacker has been "the best Christmas present".

A heavily tattooed 35-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday charged with aggravated robbery. Judge Colin Doherty granted the man interim name suppression until he was assigned counsel today.

The mugging victim, Patricia Burrows, 86, remains in the Princess Margaret Hospital.

She said yesterday she was relieved for "all the girls of Christchurch" that her alleged attacker had been caught.

"The thought of him ever going past my house was absolutely awful – dreadful. I am relieved not only for myself, but the rest of the Christchurch girls – young or old," Burrows said.

"I am so thankful to the police. They have been absolutely wonderful. People should know how good they are."

Burrows has remained in hospital recovering from a fractured pelvis sustained in the attack at Barrington Mall on December 3.

She had been undergoing rehabilitation, but expected to go home today in time for Christmas. "It's really good, but I am not able to do much. However, I have two wonderful daughters, a husband and son there to make sure we have a good day together."

Burrows still had severe knee pain. "My knee gives me absolute hell. It feels as if someone has smashed me with a hammer."

Since the attack, Burrows had been humbled by letters and offers of help from strangers

"We have got ratbags out there, but we certainly have got more lovely, generous people."

Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said officers, including the armed offenders squad, arrested a man in Aranui about 6am yesterday.

The man was also charged with dishonesty offences, including the theft of over $3000 worth of property and the attempted theft of a vehicle on December 4. He was remanded in custody until today.

- © Fairfax NZ News