GREENFORD TEENS JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF ELDERLY WOMAN
Two male juveniles, aged 15 and 14 and named Jiervon Bartlett and Nayed Hoque, received six-year detention sentences after being convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of Paula Castle, an 85-year-old woman who was pushed during a robbery in Greenford last November.Ms.
Castle, who was registered as blind and partially sighted, lived alone and suffered severe facial injuries and head trauma, which resulted in her passing the following day.
The youths also stole her money and bank card, which they used to buy food and recharge their phones.
Evidence presented at the trial indicated they also targeted a 75-year-old woman for robbery the next day.
Because of the seriousness of the crime, the judge removed the anonymity protection previously granted to Bartlett, of Northolt in west London, and Hoque, from Mile End in east London, both now aged 15.
They were sentenced to concurrent terms of six years for manslaughter, four years for robbing Mrs.
Castle, and three years for another robbery involving a different woman.
Prosecutor Andrew Edis QC described the case as "grave," explaining that the youths did not aim to cause serious injury but lacked regard for her well-being.
Mrs.
Castle had experienced multiple personal losses, including the death of her husband and son, suffered a stroke, and managed her household alone.
Her family and neighbors remembered her as courageous and admirable, expressing profound sorrow over her death.
The tragic incident shocked the local community, with residents highlighting her kindness and expressing concern over the involvement of young individuals in crimes such as theft and violence.
