Australia

Man arrested after elderly grandmother bashed at Melbourne church

A man has been arrested after an elderly grandmother was assaulted while opening her local church in Melbourne at the weekend.The 36-year-old Box Hill man was arrested today and taken to Prahran police station.He is expected to be charged with assault and theft offences.

Penelope Katsavos, 78, was at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox church in South Yarra about 6.15am on Saturday when she was attacked.Police have described the assault as “callous, violent and horrendous attack”.Ms Katsavos was allegedly punched to the right side of her face and pushed down some steps before she became unconscious.She was alone and injured for half an hour before a good Samaritan saw her and helped her.

She has suffered a broken wrist, a hip fracture, significant bruising and bleeding to the brain.

At the time, her trolley bag, which doubles as walker, was taken during the assault – with her phone and cash inside.

The trolley was later located nearby with her things still inside.

Source: 9news.com.au