The daughter of an elderly New South Wales couple who were stabbed during a violent home invasion has spoken publicly about their recovery, as police say they cannot rule out potential charges against the husband who shot the alleged intruder in self-defence.
Keith and Di Blessing were asleep at their rural home in Torrington, about 65 kilometres south-west of Tenterfield, shortly after midnight last Thursday when police allege a 34-year-old man broke in and stabbed them.
Police say 72-year-old Di Blessing suffered a chest wound and collapsed, while her 75-year-old husband was slashed across the abdomen during the attack.
Police have since charged Joshua Dylan Trethewey with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
Trethewey was shot by Mr Blessing as he allegedly tried to re-enter the property, and is yet to face court as he remains under police guard in hospital.
Mr Blessing, a licensed firearm owner, is recovering from emergency surgery at Gold Coast University Hospital alongside his wife
Their daughter, Kathy Blessing, said the impact of the attack would be long-lasting.
“My dad is a true gent. He’s always been my hero, but, in the face of their horrific attack, he was so brave,” she told the Daily Telegraph.
“Mum was too, trying to fight him off as well. They thought they were going to die.
“They’ll never be the same, physically or psychologically, but they are still with us, and for a while, we were so scared about that too.”
Her comments come as debate continues in the community over whether Mr Blessing could face charges for shooting the alleged intruder.
At a town hall meeting in Torrington on Friday, residents challenged police after they refused to rule out laying charges.
Inspector James Parsons said self-defence laws were complex and no guarantees could be made about the outcome of the investigation.
A police source had previously told the Daily Mail that Mr Blessing was unlikely to face charges given the circumstances.
The attack has prompted a strong response from the local community, with a fundraiser launched to support the couple’s recovery, home security upgrades, and potential legal costs.
Neighbour Sissy Greaves said the incident had shaken the tight-knit rural community.
“He’s my bloody hero – to defend himself while bleeding heavily would have taken a hell of a lot of courage and strength,” she said.
“We’re a tight bunch from the bush and if the police charge Keith, they’d have to charge us all. If he goes down, we’ll all go down with him.”
Resident Julie Johnson said she supported Mr Blessing’s actions.
“I’m right behind Keith – he did the right thing, to defend his home and his wife.
“I now want to get a gun licence, it’s expensive, but I need to feel safe in my home.”
Police say Trethewey had no known connection to the couple and was not living in Torrington, although he was known to frequent the area.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Images: Nine/ Facebook
