Torrington attack: Elderly couple stabbed during a violent home invasion provide promising update

An elderly couple who were caught up in a violent home invasion have provided an update after allegedly being attacked inside their NSW home.

Keith Blessing, 75, and Dianne Blessing, 72, were asleep in their Torrington home on June 4, when an intruder allegedly broke in and stabbed the pair.

Police say that Joshua Dylan Trethewey, 34, allegedly stabbed Dianne in the chest before slashing Keith across the stomach.

Keith managed to call triple-0, but located 35km away from the closest police station, he armed up with a knife and wounded the alleged attacker.

Trethewey retreated onto the veranda, but the resilient attacker came back for round two, prompting Keith to grab his firearm.

Keith then shot Trethewey in the stomach.

The elderly couple were flown to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition following the terrifying attack.

Dianne Blessing has since been released from hospital, and provided an encouraging update over their health.

“Firstly, thank you for your supportive coverage of our nightmare . . . this horrific incident has left us shattered,” she said.

“I have been discharged from hospital, and I’ll be receiving ongoing outpatient care into the foreseeable future.”

In a uplifting update, Mrs Blessing’s “hero” is recovering well following his brave effort in the frightening ordeal.

“Keith, I am relieved to say, has been transferred from ICU to a ward,” Mrs Blessing said.

“He is in a stable condition and is receiving the very best comprehensive treatment for multiple stab wounds as well as post-operative care for internal organ damage.

“I want to thank my husband, my hero. There can surely be no greater love than shielding and protecting a loved one. Without him I believe I would not be alive today.”

The horrific crime rattled the small community of Torrington, which boasts a population of just 150 people.

Mrs Blessing said the community support has been overwhelming.

“We have been overwhelmed, completely blown away and comforted, by the messages and support of hundreds of people - the media, hospital staff, strangers — all rallying behind us,” she said.

“Our local community at Torrington have also supported us and our family.

“This nightmare has taken its toll on (our family), too and all of their lives will be forever changed.”

Police say Trethewey went to the property to speak to them about his mother who died the previous morning.

However, cops said the couple have no links to his mother and are investigating if they were wrongly targeted.

He has since been charged with intent to murder.

Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon described Keith’s actions as “impressive” given his injuries.

“He certainly did his best, obviously under very difficult circumstances, to defend himself and his partner,” McKinnon said.

Police have confirmed that Keith Blessing will not face charges. As a licensed firearm holder he was entitled to use reasonable force to defend himself and his wife.