Boy, 13, guilty of murder after attack on woman
The boy, who cannot be named because of a court order, was found guilty after a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court of killing Glynis Bensley. A jury also convicted Zoheb Majid, 20, of robbery and manslaughter.
Ms Bensley, 47, was on her way home from a pub in Smethwick, West Midlands, in September last year when she was mugged and injured.
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Hide AdThe victim was hit by the 13-year-old, making her fall to the ground, before he stamped on her face with such force that his footprint was left on her cheek.
Speaking after the jury returned its verdicts, Detective Chief Inspector Sam Ridding said: “It was clearly the joint intention of the pair to use violence on anyone they targeted.
“Ms Bensley was tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Our thoughts remain with Glynis’ family at this time and we hope that today’s verdict will provide some help in their grieving process.”
The court had heard how the duo had planned to carry out a robbery via text messages a fortnight before the tragic event.
After the schoolboy punched Ms Bensley, Majid joined him on his bicycle.
The teenager then stamped on her face.
The court heard how the boy was overheard bragging to pals about the attack moments later at a nearby park.
He handed himself into the police five days later on 9 September. Unemployed Majid was arrested by detectives on 11 September.
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Hide AdThroughout the investigation, the pair maintained a belief the victim was a man due to her clothing and hairstyle.
Ms Bensley’s sister Dawn, 55, said: “We are a very close and supportive family and always look out for each other. To try and explain how Glynis’ murder has affected us is very hard to put into words.
“Glynis was my only sister and best friend. I would describe her as my right arm and I thought we would grow old together.”
A full statement from the victim’s family read: “We as individuals and collectively as a family have lost a great friend.
“We are unable to express in words the impact that our loss is having on our family. Whilst we get on with the day-to-day trivialities of life, the circumstances of Glynis’ death remind us all of the important things in life.
“At the time of Glynis’ death she was upbeat and looking forward to family holidays and celebrations including her own birthday later that month. Glynis spent her life caring for others working in roles for the British Heart Foundation and was also a fundraiser for Cancer Research.”
Both defendants will be sentenced on 17 April.
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