Sons Tell Of Grappling With Intruder After Hallway... (Press, 2 December 1987)

In a District Court hearing on 1 December 1987, two young men, sons of a church pastor, recounted a harrowing experience of grappling with an intruder in their home following the attack on their father, Peter McCallum Morrow, on the morning of 17 September. The intruder, identified as Patrick James Burrowes, 36, is accused of attempting to murder the pastor with a broad-bladed knife. Burrowes, described as a manic-depressive schizophrenic, reportedly acted out of a desire to "get back at society" and was committed for trial on three charges, including the attempted murder of Mr Morrow and wounding his sons, David and John. During the attack, Mr Morrow suffered severe injuries, including deep cuts and slash wounds that penetrated to the bone, significantly impairing the use of his left arm. His sons intervened as Burrowes attempted to escape, with David Morrow sustaining a fractured skull and John suffering cuts to his arms and head. The court learned that the pastor had lived in Christchurch for 25 years and had been actively involved with the church, where Burrowes had also been a member in the past. Mr Morrow detailed the events leading to the attack, explaining that he had opened the front door after being alerted by David. He encountered Burrowes, who was wearing a balaclava and armed with a "machete knife." Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Mr Morrow managed to make his way back to the lounge, where his sons confronted Burrowes. David recounted hearing the commotion and following the attacker as he swung the knife at their father. Burrowes' background revealed a tumultuous relationship with the church and personal struggles with homosexuality and mental health. In his account, he indicated that he felt ostracised and decided to target Mr Morrow as the representative of a society that he believed had wronged him. The court was adjourned briefly during Mr Morrow's testimony when Burrowes slumped in his seat, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Detective Constable C. F. Stokes, who interviewed Burrowes, noted that the defendant expressed a desire to retaliate against the church, which he blamed for his struggles. Burrowes stated he had spontaneously decided to attack Mr Morrow, reflecting his deteriorating mental state. His plan involved cycling to the Morrow residence and confronting the pastor without prior thought to his actions. Ultimately, Burrowes' desire to "give him a fright" escalated into a violent encounter that left Mr Morrow severely injured and his sons also harmed. The sons successfully subdued Burrowes until police arrived, where they were taken to the hospital for their injuries. The preliminary hearing concluded with Burrowes being remanded to Sunnyside Hospital until his trial, scheduled for a later date.

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