Carer jailed for murder of 90-year-old woman in Wirral
Jayne Hill, 52, killed Myra Thompson earlier this year
Last updated 11th Oct 2024
A carer who killed a 90-year-old woman in the Wirral has been jailed for life.
Jayne Hill, 52, will spend at least 22 years and 14 days behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of Myra Thompson in April.
Myra was in poor health and had carers who visited her home in Spital - Hill was one of those.
CCTV was installed in her home after suspicions arose that Myra was having money stolen from her handbag - and Hill was then caught in the act.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Hill then let herself in to Myra's home to offer to repay the money - but she hit her over the head with a metal flask and suffocated her with a pillow.
Myra's body was found by emergency services at around 11:20am on Tuesday 22 April.
Hill, of Norwich Drive, Upton, Wirral, pleaded guilty to murder and the theft of £60.
Detective Inspector Dave Jones from Merseyside Police said: “This was the ultimate breach of trust from someone Myra trusted and it is truly shocking and despicable that Hill chose to carry out an attack on a frail and elderly woman who should have been safe in bed in her own home.
“This has obviously been a distressing time for Myra’s family and friends and our thoughts and condolences are with them.
“Hill admitted being responsible for Myra’s death and today has rightly been sentenced for her monstrous actions.
“She has shown no remorse over the death of Myra but will now spend a considerable period of time behind bars to think about her actions on that night.
“No length of sentence will ever be able to bring Myra back but hopefully knowing justice has been served will come as some kind of comfort for all those who loved her.”
Myra’s friend and neighbour Ann Jarvis said the following: “I have lost all confidence and trust in the world and humanity itself, as I try to comprehend the brutal murder of my dear friend and neighbour Myra.
“Myra was like a sister to me and I keep replaying over and over this day, and the shock of hearing of her killing.
“Myra had worked in a caring role all her life in Clatterbridge Cancer Unit, as well as caring for her disabled husband for 50 years. Myra was a trusting, kind, loyal and intelligent lady who never hurt anyone. Ever.
“All Myra wanted and deserved was to spend the rest of her days in the comfort of her own home and be treated with the respect and dignity she has shown to others.”
Myra's niece Anne Charters made the following comment after the sentencing: "As a family we are greatly relieved that the murder investigation into Myra’s death has finally come to an end, resulting in a fitting sentence for the accused, Jane Hill.
"To abuse a position of trust on someone as frail and vulnerable as my aunty Myra and to then confront her with such violence is something that has been incredibly upsetting and difficult to come to terms with.
"We can only imagine the terror she experienced during her final moments on the evening of 23 April in her own home, a place where she was supposed to be safe. We are hoping that now justice has been served we can all move on and hope it will go some way towards helping everyone directly affected by this shocking case, to find some form of closure from what has ultimately been a living nightmare."
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.