82 year old dies after burglary

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Charges of manslaughter could be brought against two youths, after the 82 year old woman they burgled and left terrified, tragically died last week.

On January 6, Ruby Jameson, of East Street, Newtownards, was woken from her sleep by two teenagers demanding money at her beside.

The youths, both wearing scarves over their faces, ripped Rubys bedroom phone from the wall, smashed her bedside lamp to pieces and ordered the octogenarian to hand over money.

Ruby asked them if she could use the toilet to be sick, but they refused and ransacked her home, smashing doors, before leaving empty handed.

When she eventually made it downstairs, Ruby found a state of devastation, with drawers emptied, personal items thrown around the place and the invasion of personal space and items.

Ruby was not physically harmed, however, the repercussions of that night became apparent.

She was left 'terrified, according to her daughter, Eleanor.

The 82 year old had been suffering from terminal cancer, but had been living life to the full and prior to the incident, family and friends described her as outgoing, bubbly and full of life.

Tragically, following her ordeal Ruby stopped eating and was too scared to be left alone.

Her next door neighbour stayed with her at night to comfort her.

Rubys daughter told the Chronicle the culprits should be locked up and the key thrown away: My mum had ovarian cancer, but I have no doubt in my mind that the burglary exacerbated her illness. Within four days of the incident she was in hospital. She wouldnt eat after it happened. She was terrified of being on her own, so her neighbour stayed with her.

After it happened she was terrified of being on her own. Before she was fine. She was bubbly and full of life. They took that from her.

She continued: "I want to ask them: How would they like this done to their mother or grandmother? How would they feel? I just want them caught. I want them locked up and the key thrown away.

I wish the courts could deal with them more effectively, because this is very, very sad.

Strangford MLA Jim Shannon, who was a close friend of Rubys for many years, said he was very upset by the news.

He said: This woman was left extremely traumatised after her ordeal. I met with her shortly afterwards and she was a very strong and courageous woman, but, left traumatised. The burglary left her very upset. She was a personal friend and I have known her for a number a years. Ruby was a lovely lady. She was one of most vocal ladies and would encourage, advise and help people. There is a lot of concern within the community, especially elderly, and more needs to be done.

Alderman Shannon described the attackers as scumbags: This despicable and cowardly act by nothing more than scumbags underlines the need for communities to work together. I cannot commend the PSNI enough, as the lady told me that the officers were most helpful and supportive, as has been her local community. It is at times like these when communities really come together.

There was also outcry on Ards PSNI Facebook page.

One user wrote: That is a shame, poor lady, it should be treated as murder. The justice system needs to really toughen up on these thugs; its a disgrace.

Another said: The elderly lady confronted in her home in East Street a few weeks ago was buried yesterday, she never recovered; this should now be treated as murder.

Police have made no arrests and the case remains an active investigation.

Anyone who noticed any activity in the area on January 6, or who has any information, is asked to contact police at Newtownards on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.