The woman behind the violent home invasion of an elderly couple has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison.

39-year-old Maera Todd was today sentenced to seven years and four months at Christchurch District Court.

She left a couple in their 80s with black eyes, cuts and bruises after forcing her way into their Papanui home.

Her elderly victim, John McCammon, told the court she forced through his door and pushed him to the ground.

She then smothered him with a pillow and threatened to stab him with a pair of secateurs.

His wife was also injured during the attack

McCammon says he thought he was going to die, and he and his wife no longer feel safe in their home of 30 years.