Man due in court over assault of woman in nursing home

A 54-year-old man is due in court after being charged in connection with an attack on an elderly woman at a nursing home in the midlands on Monday night.

It is alleged a man went into the residential home through a back door and attacked a woman, who is in her 80s, in her room.

The man was arrested at the scene and remains in garda custody pending his court appearance.

The woman was struck a number of times and gardaí believe an attempt was made to asphyxiate her.

Nursing staff heard the commotion and came to her aid.

The woman was seriously injured during the incident and taken to hospital where she is still being treated for what have been described as serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Staff and other patients at the nursing home have been severely traumatised by the incident.

The man was detained and questioned at a garda station in the midlands.

He was charged last night and is due to appear at the district court in Athlone today.