MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR KILLING LANDLADY AFTER LOSING TENANCY
A man identified as Lee Grainger has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his 80-year-old former landlady, Sybil Sibthorpe.
The victim was found dead in the yard of one of her properties on Haughton Road, Darlington, on May 8.
Grainger had denied murder but admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
The court heard that Grainger, aged 41, suffered brain damage from a motorbike accident, which impaired his judgment.
The evidence revealed that Sybil Sibthorpe was "battered to death" while working on one of her houses, with a post-mortem confirming head injuries as the cause of death.
It was also disclosed that Grainger had been "brooding" for weeks about losing a tenancy.
He was convicted and sentenced to serve at least 12 and a half years.
A tribute from her husband William, 77, described her as a "peaceful, hardworking and very talented lady" who is "missed very much," and police expressed hope that the sentencing would bring closure for her family.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
A man identified as Lee Grainger has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his 80-year-old former landlady, Sybil Sibthorpe. The victim was found dead in the yard of one of her properties on Haughton Road, Darlington, on May 8....
Life or indeterminate sentence
life
A man identified as Lee Grainger has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his 80-year-old former landlady, Sybil Sibthorpe
Prison sentence
life
A man identified as Lee Grainger has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his 80-year-old former landlady, Sybil Sibthorpe
