Man pleads guilty to killing elderly woman he asked for water and robbed of £60

A burglar has pleaded guilty of to killing an 84-year-old woman as he robbed her of £60 in her home after asking for a glass of water.

Pensioner Joyce Burgess died in hospital three days after suffering arm, chest and face injuries.

Her handbag containing the cash was stolen in the attack in Woking, Surrey, at around 5.50pm on July 7 last year.

Johnny Brazil, 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Guildford Crown Court on Friday.

Appearing in court on Friday, Brazil previously admitted a further charge of robbery, three counts of burglary, attempted burglary, possessing a lock knife and damaging property.

Prosecutor Hugh Forgan said the offender had committed a “pattern of burglaries with particularly vulnerable victims”.

A post-mortem examination revealed the pensioner died of coronary and valvular heart disease, bronchial pneumonia and emphysema.

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Brazil was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm - but police pushed for a more serious charge of manslaughter.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alexis Batty said: “Johnny Brazil is now rightfully behind bars for what he did, having caused the death of Joyce Burgess following his callous robbery and attack on her in her home.

“Having been admitted to hospital following the attack, she showed positive signs of recovery before tragically suffering a heart attack two days later brought on by what had happened.

“Our thoughts remain with her family and friends who have remained stoic throughout.

“Brazil is simply an opportunistic thief who showed no moral boundaries whatsoever in preying on clearly vulnerable victims and in Mrs Burgess’ case leaving her with significant injuries.

“It is heart-breaking that it was all for the sake of her handbag containing personal items and a small amount of cash.”

DC Batty added: “Brazil was charged in July based on the evidence we had available at the time. Since then we have sought expert medical advice which meant we had the evidence to proceed with a manslaughter charge.

“We appreciate this was a view formed by some in the days after Mrs Burgess’ death, and we have worked hard since to reflect the severity of the offences.”

Sentencing is adjourned to August 9 in order to assess Brazil.