A homeless teenager has been jailed for life for murdering a retired Caerphilly midwife.
David Matthews, 18, admitted killing 58-year-old Susan Williams at her home in Mill Road on February 28 this year.
Mrs Williams was stabbed, stamped upon and hit over the head with a saucepan before her throat was slit by Matthews, who was 17 at the time.
The woman’s body was later discovered after Williams’ parents called the police after he left them several unclear message.
Mrs Williams had put Matthews up for the night after he had rowed with 23-year-old girlfriend Samantha Hackney from Trecenydd.
In the immediate aftermath of her murder, Mrs Williams’ family had paid tribute to her in a statement released through the police.
It said she was much-loved among staff members and residents at the Bedwas home where she cared for the elderly and infirm.
Her family said: “She was a naturally kind and caring person, a mother and grandmother who would not hesitate to help anyone in distress, be it a friend or a stranger.
“The community has lost a true carer and she will be sadly missed.
“Her family wish to thank everyone for their help and support at this very difficult time.”
Mrs Williams had worked in the Rhymney Valley for 30 years and during her career was a district midwife and had worked at Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital.
Judge Mr Justice Evans, at Newport Crown Court, said: “She was a lady in her late 50s. She took you into her home and gave you a bed for the night. When you were there you decided to steal from her house.
“It is obvious from the facts that she must have become alerted to that and came downstairs and then you attacked her and killed her.
“That short description does not do justice to the brutal and horrific attack that you carried out on her.”
