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Albert Chant, 95, was allegedly stabbed in his Glendene home by an intruder. - Source: Fairfax -
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A man accused of stabbing a 95-year-old war veteran in the head has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial.
Jacob Komene, 20, has been charged with entering a building with intent to commit a crime while armed with a knife, and wounding Albert Chant with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He appeared in the High Court at Auckland today.
Details of the allegations were revealed at his appearance in Waitakere District Court in April.
The court was told Komene allegedly entered Chant's Glendene home by jimmying open a window with a knife. After he climbed inside, Komene entered the master bedroom where he found Chant preparing to go to bed.
Chant turned to get to the telephone to call for help and activated his Lifelink alarm. Komene then advanced on Chant and allegedly stabbed him in the face, severing a nerve and an artery.
Komene then escaped through the bedroom window.
Chant managed to call for assistance and was rushed to hospital to undergo surgery.
Komene was found at a neighbouring address a short time later.
Komene's trial date was set for November 26. He was remanded in custody.
Chant underwent surgery in Auckland City Hospital after the incident and is now believed to be staying with family.