Teenage Boys Convicted After Pakefield Robbery

Saturday, 5 April 2025 06:00

Two teenagers have been convicted of robbery and burglary following an incident in Pakefield in 2023.

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 today, Friday 4th April, at Great Yarmouth Youth Court following a three-day hearing.

The pair were bailed to return to Great Yarmouth Youth Court on 9th May for sentencing.

Following the verdict Detective Constable Debra Bates said: “This must have been a very traumatic incident for Mrs Middleditch. She was a vulnerable, elderly woman who was robbed of her possessions in the middle of the night by these two individuals, for relatively little financial gain.

“I would like to thank Joy’s family who have been extremely supportive of Suffolk Constabulary and patient throughout this investigation in what has been an incredibly difficult couple of years for them.”

The family of Mrs Middleditch issued the following statement:

“We would like to thank Suffolk Constabulary’s Family Liaison Officers for the support they have given us over the past two years.

“The network of persons affected by this does not just end with us. Joy was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister to several siblings, an aunt and a close friend to many. She was worth more than to be a victim of cruel thoughtless criminals.”