Joyce Burgess death: Burglar Johnny Brazil admits manslaughter Published duration 21 June 2019

image copyright Family handout image caption Joyce Burgess died days after being attacked in her home

A serial burglar robbed and killed an 84-year-old woman after knocking on her door to ask for a glass of water, a court heard.

Johnny Brazil targeted Joyce Burgess at her home in Woking, Surrey, during the heatwave last July.

He stole her handbag and left her with injuries to her arm, face and chest. She died days later after suffering a heart attack in hospital.

Brazil admitted manslaughter, robbery and burglary at Guildford Crown Court.

The 27 year old, of Kingston Road, Epsom, pleaded guilty to another robbery, three counts of burglary, attempted burglary, possessing a lock-knife and criminal damage.

He will be sentenced on 9 August.

image copyright Surrey Police image caption Police said Johnny Brazil targeted vulnerable people and showed "little to no remorse"

In a tribute after his mother's death, Iain Burgess described her as "a sweet old lady" who had "done some amazing things".

He said that his mother had been "cruelly betrayed" by Brazil, adding: "I will never understand why my mother lost her life in a place she should have been safe."

He said Brazil's actions had "robbed us of our family home that we have not been able to return to since this happened, because of what happened there."

Hugh Forgan, prosecuting, said Brazil committed a "pattern of burglaries with particularly vulnerable victims".

Det Con Alexis Batty, of Surrey Police, said he had targeted people as old as 96 and had shown "little to no remorse".

"It's sad to think that what was taken was of such small value - cash to the sum of around £60.

"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."

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