Wrightson murder: Family talk of the alcoholic's 'chaotic' life

The family of the murdered 39-year-old say the family wasn't as close as it should have been.

Published 5th Apr 2016

The family of murdered Hartlepool woman Angela Wrightson say they're 'haunted' by what happened to her.

The 39-year-old was brutally murdered at her home in Stephen Street in December 2014 by two teenage girls.

Today the pair, only 13 and 14 at the time, were found guilty of the alcoholic's murder at Leeds Crown Court.

Miss Wrightson's body had over 100 injuries and police believe she was struck more than 25 times.

Items like a shovel, a television and a plank of wood with nails in it were used as weapons.

Both girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been drinking and taking drugs prior to the attack.

Her family released a statement today, paying tribute to the 39-year-old's 'infectious personality' but acknowleged that she did have a troublesome life.

The full statement read:

"It’s true that Angela (or Angie as she was known to us all) led a troubled and at times chaotic lifestyle.

"And as a family we were not as close as we ought to have been. The chance to put that right has been taken away from us.

"Angie was attacked and brutally murdered in her own home, a place where we all have the right to feel safe. Listening to the details of her injuries and of her final moments has been a harrowing experience and something which will continue to haunt us each and every day.

"No sentence, regardless of its severity, will ever bring Angie back. The two girls responsible will one day be women themselves, free to live their lives and perhaps have children of their own. A right which was taken from Angie.

"We would like to thank the Police and the prosecution team for their compassion and continued support throughout this difficult time. We’d also like to thank those people who gave evidence and spoke on Angie’s behalf in court. And if any positive can be taken from this experience it is the kindness displayed by those who knew Angie best.

"Angie’s infectious personality touched the hearts of so many people and it is those fond memories which we continue to cherish as we attempt to move forward."

The girls, now 14 and 15, will be sentenced