Teenagers Sentenced After Pakefield Robbery and Burglary

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 06:00

Two teenagers who were convicted of robbery and burglary following an incident in Pakefield in 2023 have been sentenced to a two-year immediate detention order in a young offender institution.

Officers were called just after 1.50pm on Saturday 25th March 2023 to reports that an elderly woman had been found lying on the floor in her home in Grayson Avenue following a suspected robbery. The incident had occurred during the early hours that day.

The victim was found conscious and was taken to James Paget Hospital for treatment. Sadly, the woman, Joy Middleditch, 82, died at hospital in the early hours of Monday 27th March.

Following the incident, it was found that a handbag containing a purse from within the property had been removed.

On 31st March 2023, two teenage boys, aged 15 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, before being bailed.

The pair, now aged 17 and 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were subsequently charged in April last year with robbery and burglary with intent to steal.

They were convicted on Friday 4th April, at Great Yarmouth Youth Court following a three-day hearing.

The pair were sentenced on Friday 9th May, at Great Yarmouth Youth Court.

Following the verdict Detective Constable Debra Bates said: “I would again like to thank Joy’s family who have been extremely supportive of Suffolk Constabulary and patient throughout this investigation.

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