Indefinite hospital order for killer who stabbed disabled woman to death

“Lives were changed that day and hearts were broken.”

These are the words of the family of Angela Lloyd, who died after being stabbed several times at her home in Bakewell Place on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 13.

Hewitt entered Angela’s home uninvited before beating her and stabbing her at least 47 times.

Angela, who was disabled and used a wheelchair, managed to press the alarm for the care company that supported her daily.

Emergency services attended but sadly the 56-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation was launched by Durham Constabulary’s Major Crime Team and Patricia Hewitt, of Stanley, was arrested a short time later.

At Teesside Crown Court last month, Hewitt pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Today, she was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

Following sentencing, her family said in a statement: “Our Angela was taken away from us in the most horrific way. She was in a wheelchair, disabled and was unable to defend herself.

“She stood no chance up against her attacker. Lives were changed that day and hearts were broken. She was a devoted catholic and lived a simple life but a loved life. It is impossible to put into words how we feel.

“Our sister will never be able to sit in her little garden, feeling proud of her roses, seeing the seasons come and go, feeling excited about Disney movies and talk about her visits to eateries.

“We still cannot believe she has gone.”

Angela was supported to live as independently as possible, and enjoyed outings in the local community, visiting local parks and enjoying shopping trips.

At home, Angela enjoyed knitting, watching films, playing board games, and spending time with her beloved cats. Her faith was also very important to her, and she valued being involved with her church community.

Supportive, the care company that looked after Angela for many years, also said: “Angela was a lady full of joy, kindness, and warmth. She embraced life with a bright spirit and a smile that could light up any room.

“Her love of all things Disney and anything colourful and cheerful was reflected beautifully in her personality.

“She brought happiness wherever she went and had a special way of making people smile.

“Angela had a truly kind heart. She was a loving, gentle person who touched the lives of so many people.

“She meant a great deal to both past and present members of the Supportive family, and her memory will continue to be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“We were incredibly lucky to have cared for such a wonderful lady. Her laughter, kindness, and bright spirit will never be forgotten.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Lindsay Brown of Durham Constabulary, said: "This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable woman within the safety of her own home.

“The investigation established that Hewitt's mental functioning was significantly impaired at the time of the attack on Angela. Having accepted responsibility for Angela's death, Hewitt has been made subject to an indefinite hospital order and will be detained within a secure medical facility.

“The pain and loss suffered by Angela's family and friends is immeasurable. My sincere hope is that they can take some comfort from knowing that the hospital order provides ongoing public protection through Hewitt's indefinite detention in a secure medical setting, while they continue to come to terms with their devastating loss.”