By Hugo Gye
Last updated at 3:37 PM on 21st November 2011
A 'callous and cruel' mother has been jailed for murdering her grandmother when the pensioner realised her granddaughter was stealing from her.
Sheila Jones, from Norton Canes in Staffordshire, was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison today for battering vulnerable 92-year-old Daisy Myring to death.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Jones, who was Mrs Myring's carer, stole over 7,000 from her grandmother, and spent the money on a holiday and presents for her two children.
She launched a vicious attack on the old woman when she found out Mrs Myring was planning to visit the bank to complain about the thefts.
Murder: Sheila Jones, left, killed her 92-year-old grandmother Daisy Myring after stealing over 7,000 from her
Jones was told by judge Phillip Parker that she would serve a life sentence for the 'cold-blooded' killing which was 'motivated by a desire to silence her'.
After Jones's mother died in March 2010, the defendant became Mrs Myring's carer, but soon ran in to financial trouble.
Gareth Walters, prosecuting, told the court that after being named as a signatory on Mrs Myring's account, Jones took 6,800 from her savings last year and another 400 early this year - leaving the pensioner with just 48.
Mrs Myring became suspicious of her granddaughter, and was planning to visit her bank on May 31 to discuss the problem.
But when one of her carers visited her home that morning, she had been beaten up and was suffering from multiple injuries, include several cuts, extensive bruises and a broken collarbone.
Home: Jones's house in Norton Canes, Staffordshire. She has been sentenced to life imprisonment
The 92-year-old was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital, where she died later that morning, a heart condition having rendered her unable to survive her ordeal.
She was so dazed that she was unable to identify her attacker and could only tell paramedics that she had been attacked in her own home.
Jones was arrested on the day of Mrs Myring's death but after she was released on bail a routine police patrol spotted her carrying two black bin bags.
On searching the bags, the officers found a blue stool, subsequently confirmed as one belonging to Mrs Myring, a blood-stained pillow and pillow case and a torch.
'The prosecution accuses, and you accept, that you took the pillow case and torch in an attempt to smother her,' Judge Parker said as he sentenced Jones.
'Something went wrong and you carried out a frenzied attack with the stool and possibly your fists and feet.
'You killed the the person you were entrusted with looking after. Taking her savings was callous and cruel but taking her life was unforgivable.'
Speaking in Jones's defence, Philip Bradley said that the defendant had an agreement with her grandmother whereby she could borrow money as long as she repaid it.
'She wants me to say she feels utter shame for what she has done,' said Mr Bradley.
The prosecution, however, claimed that Jones had paid back just a few hundred pounds and spent the rest.
On behalf of Daisy's family, grandson David Worrall read the following statement after this afternoon's court appearance: 'We are delighted with the outcome at court today, that Sheila Jones has pleaded guilty to the senseless murder of my grandmother, Daisy Myring.
'The last few months have been a nightmare for me and all other members of our family. Daisy meant the world to all of us and no sentence will ever be able to bring her back. She was a kind and generous lady and will be sorely missed by her family and everyone that knew her.'
Seriously how evil do some ppl have to be?? a dear old lady who has done so well to get to this point in life only to have it robbed away from her by a greedy heartless woman?? and for what, hard earned money that was put away for a reason.... no words can describe how evil this woman is, i hope she rots for what shes done..... makes me sad to believe that this is still happening in a society we live in
- Nate, UK, 21/11/2011 18:32
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