Teens sentenced for burglary after great-gran dies

Two teenage boys who broke into the house of a pensioner who died two days later have been sentenced.

The pair, now aged 16 and 17, were originally arrested on suspicion of the murder of Joy Middleditch, 82, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 2023.

They were charged instead with robbery and burglary and were found guilty after a three-day hearing at Great Yarmouth Youth Court, Norfolk, in April.

At the same court, they were sentenced to a two-year immediate detention order in a young offender institution.

Suffolk Police were called on the afternoon of 25 March 2023 to Grayson Avenue after reports that an older woman had been found on the floor of her home following a suspected robbery in the early hours of the morning.

Officers found a handbag containing a purse had been removed from the house.

Ms Middleditch had been conscious and taken to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk, for treatment, but died two days later.

In a previous tribute to Ms Middleditch, her family thanked Suffolk Police for their support.

"The network of persons affected by this does not just end with us," they said.

"Joy was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister to several siblings, an aunt and a close friend to many.

"She was worth more than to be a victim of cruel, thoughtless criminals."

Det Con Debra Bates said after the hearing said it had been an "extremely difficult time" for Ms Middleditch's family.

"I would again like to thank Joy's family, who have been extremely supportive of Suffolk Constabulary and patient throughout this investigation," the officer said.

"This has been an extremely difficult time for them, and hopefully this sentence can bring them some closure."

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