A 26-year-old woman who pushed and killed an elderly pensioner with Alzheimer’s on a bench avoided prison.
Courtney Richman was found guilty of the manslaughter of Myra Coutinho-Lopez, 82, who died after being pushed into Lloyds Bank in Welwyn Garden City, in Hertfordshire on December 6, 2021.
She was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 21 months, at Luton Crown Court on Friday.
Coutinho-Lopez, who suffered from dementia, had gone to the bank to withdraw money but was confused when she was presented with her bank statements at a counter, the court heard.
Richman was in a line of other customers that began to form as staff tried to help.
There was an argument between the two about how long Coutinho-Lopez was taking, and Richman clapped when the elderly woman left the counter after assistance from a member of the public.
Footage showed Coutinho-Lopez swinging the bag at Richman, hitting her back as she turned around.
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Richman retaliated by pushing Coutinho-Lopez with both hands, causing her to fall on her hip and shoulder, according to Herts Police.
She was taken to hospital, where she died from her injuries 10 days later.
Richman was arrested the day after the incident.
‘Trapped in an emotional prison’
Michelle Lopez, Coutinho-Lopez’s daughter, paid tribute to her mother after the sentencing, saying: “We have been forced to face the difficulties and trials of life without my beloved mother for more than two years.
“Her life was taken from her on December 16, 2021, and since then we have been trapped in an emotional prison with scars too deep to repair.
“She left an indescribable void for everyone who knew her, including her beloved children, family and longtime friends around the world.”
She added: “The longing for my mother’s presence is a constant ache in my heart, especially when I observe other daughters engaged in mundane activities with their mothers, such as shopping or sharing a coffee or meal together. feeling of emptiness.
“Those who knew her will miss her greatly and will continue to cherish her memory and honor her legacy of kindness, courage and generosity. She was a shining light on how to survive and thrive in life despite adversity and setbacks.
“After enduring years of waiting, I am grateful to the jury for reaching a guilty verdict and for the work of officers from Hertfordshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
