A Nelson man with mental health issues is facing a charge of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a mental health worker in the neck yesterday.
The man attacked the woman without warning when she visited him in respite care about 1:30pm, Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne McCoy said.
The woman endured a prolonged attack, during which he allegedly stabbed, punched and kicked her.
"It is incredibly lucky that the lady wasn't killed, she is very, very lucky to have survived."
The woman, who had 30-years experience, was recovering in hospital in good care, Mr McCoy said.
A 40-year-old beneficiary appeared in Nelson District Court this morning.
He entered no plea to a charge of attempted murder and was granted interim name suppression, the Nelson Mail reported.
The man was remanded in custody by consent until January 7.
NZPA