Teenage boys sentenced after stealing handbag from Joy Middleditch, 82, of Pakefield, who died days later

Two teenage boys have been handed youth custody sentences after stealing a handbag from an 82-year-old woman who died two days after they broke into her home.

The pair, aged 17 and 16 and who cannot be named for legal reasons, were originally arrested on suspicion of the murder of Joy Middleditch, 82, in Pakefield on March 31, 2023.

Mrs Middleditch was found lying on the floor of her home on March 25 following a suspected robbery in the early hours. While found conscious, she was taken to James Paget Hospital where she died two days later.

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

In April last year, the teenagers were charged with robbery and burglary with intent to steal.

They were convicted on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Great Yarmouth Youth Court following a three-day hearing.

The pair were sentenced today at Great Yarmouth Youth Court to a two-year immediate detention order in a young offender institution.

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.”