Youth killed sweet shop OAP

Delcie Winstone's body was found in her home

A 17-year-old youth has admitted killing a pensioner who ran a sweet shop from her front room.

Delcie Winstone, aged 76, died at her home in Neath on Valentine's day after being attacked by the teenager.

At Swansea Crown Court the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted manslaughter and theft but denied murder and robbery.

Mrs Winstone was found dead by a neighbour within minutes of the attack in her home at Bryn Terrace, where she had lived all her life.

Robin Spencer QC, prosecuting, said the motive had been theft.

Before the killing the defendant, from the Neath area, had been to a local club to watch the Six Nations rugby clash between Wales and Scotland.

She was, in any view, a real character, and someone who would not meekly stand by while she was robbed in her own home Robin Spencer QC

While there he was seen drinking beer and vodka and was described as being drunk by a number of people who later saw him, the court heard.

Mr Spencer described Mrs Winstone as a "feisty character" who had long lived alone and would stand up for herself.

"Her front room or parlour was, in effect, the local tuck shop for children living nearby," he told the jury at Swansea Crown Court.

"She sold penny sweets and pop and she kept the money she made in ice-cream containers nearby.

"She was, in any view, a real character, and someone who would not meekly stand by while she was robbed in her own home."

Mr Spencer said the teenager claimed that Mrs Winstone kicked his shins, shouted at him and slapped his face when she caught him trying to steal.

The teenager said he had not intended to kill or cause he any serious harm, Mr Spencer told the court.

But he said the defendant's actions went "far beyond" any reasonable level of self-defence.

"The prosecution case, based on the extent and spread of blood in the front room and based on her injuries, is that the defendant must have struck her several times.

"Quite possibly he used some item that he picked up in the room."

Mr Spencer said the teenager had left with a large amount of small change from the front room and £100 in notes.

The case continues.