A policeman who was stabbed by a child sex offender in a horror Australia Day attack has made a ‘miracle’ recovery after more than three days of fighting for life.
Det Sgt John Breda was stabbed in the chest and abdomen as he tried to arrest child rapist Nick Newman at the Maroubra Junction Hotel, in Sydney, on Friday afternoon.
The 45-year-old was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, while Newman, 33, was shot dead at the scene by two other police officers.
After opening his eyes on Monday the veteran cop began rehab just one day later, in what New South Wales police commissioner Mick Fuller said was simply a ‘miracle’.
John Breda (left), who was stabbed in Maroubra in a shocking attack on Australia Day, has made a miracle recovery
The devoted father-of-two spent more than three days fighting for life in St Vincent’s Hospital but will begin rehabilitation on Tuesday
The veteran of the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad was awarded the police force’s highest honour in 2015, the National Medal (pictured) by the Prime Minister
‘It is a miracle… we’re some four days down the track now, and John is talking and preparing for his first rehab session this afternoon,’ Mr Fuller said.
‘He’s a lucky man, but in saying that, he was incredibly fit and incredibly strong mentally.
‘The doctors put that down to one of the key reasons he survived such a horrific attack.
‘John, as humble as ever, asked me to thank those who have put out their thoughts and prayers for John and his family, which is indicative of the sort of guy that John is.
‘I’m sure people across NSW and Australia will be pleased to hear the progress John has made in such a short amount of time.’
The father-of-two’s first rehab session will see him take the major step of moving out of his bed and into a chair in his hospital room.
Mr Breda, a veteran of the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad, also worked in Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad and received one of the police force’s top honours.
In 2015, the 45-year-old was given the National Medal by the Prime Minister.
NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller (pictured) said Mr Breda’s recovery was a ‘miracle’
Photos show the devoted father spending time with his two children and wife as well as enjoying baking pastries in the kitchen (pictured)
The hero detective was stabbed by Newman, who was then shot dead at a pub in Sydney
Newman (pictured) stabbed Det Sgt Breda in the chest and abdomen during a violent outburst at Maroubra Junction Hotel
Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said a lot of people were concerned about the senior officer as he is ‘very well regarded’.
‘We’re certainly very concerned about his condition and our thoughts are with him and his family,’ he said.
Daily Mail Australia understands during the violent arrest, Newman slit his own throat with a knife before being shot, with witnesses hearing up to four or five gunshots.
Wanted for child sex offences Newman reportedly failed to appear in court on Wednesday and police sent out a public appeal to find the man.
At least 20 police officers locked down the area, putting up tape and telling nearby businesses to close
A dozen police cars and ambulances rushed to the scene on Anzac Parade, shutting down area
Newman was wanted for six counts of rape, one count of intentionally choking and one count of aggravated sexual assault against a person under 16.
Dramatic video shot by a witness at the scene showed officers with guns draw at a back entrance to the pub, before entering in combat stance.
Another man was seen being marched away from the pub by police but it was not clear why he was arrested.
At least 20 police officers locked down the area, putting up tape and telling nearby businesses to close.
Noel Whelan has been staying at the Maroubra Junction Hotel for a few months and was shocked when he was ushered out and into the street this afternoon