Family tribute to murdered widow

Joan Biggs family say they will never get over their cruel loss

The family of murdered a 79-year-old widow believe her teenage killer should never be allowed back into the community.

In a statement issued after 19-year-old Lee Brown was sentenced to two life terms for the rape and murder of Northampton grandmother Joan Biggs, the family said they would never get over their cruel loss.

It reads: "Our mother was a kind and decent woman, who, at 79, after a lifetime of hard work, had earned the right to live out her retirement in the home she loved.

"She deserved a peaceful and contented old age, with her dog Gromit as her faithful companion, and with her garden, which was her abiding passion.

We believe he should never be allowed to return to the community Family statement

"She was a well-respected member of the community; many people knew her and she had many friends who cared about her.

"Her death has had an impact far wider than her immediate family circle and there are many people who have been deeply affected by her loss."

The family thanked Northamptonshire Police for its handling of the investigation into Mrs Biggs' death and particularly praised the dedication and tenacity of the forensic team.

After listening to the evidence day after day, Mrs Biggs' family said they believed that Brown was a highly dangerous individual, and that society should be protected from him.

"Putting aside our bitterness about what happened, we believe he should never be allowed to return to the community," the statement adds.