Twins guilty of killing pensioner

The brothers were not blood relatives of Anjelica Hallwood

Twins who left their 18th birthday party to rob their step-grandmother of her life savings have been convicted of her manslaughter.

Robert and Jonathan Maskell, and their friend Dwane Johnston, were convicted at the Old Bailey of killing Anjelica Hallwood in January 2005.

Their 74-year-old victim was found badly beaten and strangled at her home in Edmonton, north London.

All three were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced on 31 January.

Savings 'stashed'

The brothers were also found guilty of robbery, a charge which Johnston had admitted.

Robert and Jonathan were the sons of the ex-wife of Mrs Hallwood's son and although not blood relatives, had been treated as grandsons.

The court heard the trio broke into the pensioner's home thinking she had up to £3,000 stashed away.

Anthony Leonard QC, prosecuting, said Jonathan Maskell asked their mother if they could leave the party to meet Johnston who had a birthday card for them.

Home ransacked

They then went to Mrs Hallwood's home where Johnston had been staying since leaving prison the previous day.

Mr Leonard said as they ransacked the property Johnston hit Mrs Hallwood in the face and pressed on her throat as he pinned her to the ground.

Detective Superintendent Derek Cameron, read a statement on behalf of Mrs Hallwood's son, Peter.

"I am struggling to cope with the knowledge that the twins and Johnston were capable of doing this.

"They are the lowest of the low, cold and callous and I can't believe they would bite the hand that feeds them."