Brenda James' Son Gets LIfe For Her Murder
A 51 year old Chichester man has been found guilty of murdering his 78-year-old mother.
Neale James, 51, was found guilty of murdering Brenda James at Hove Crown Court. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 28 years.
Brenda's body was discovered on the Goodwood Estate on Thursday 24 March after she was reported missing to police two days before.
The court heard that James had planned on murdering his mother after he got into debt from gambling.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick May, of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said:
"This has been an incredibly difficult time for the family of Brenda James and I would like to commend them on the way they have conducted themselves throughout the trial and the help they have given to police throughout the investigation.
"I would also like to thank the Goodwood Estate who have assisted police during this investigation.
"Neale James planned Brenda's brutal murder after getting in debt through his gambling. He visited the Goodwood Estate in the hours immediately before he committed his own mother's murder.
"This was a callous act and justice has been served."
A Statement from Brenda's daughter- Nicole Moren-James- read:
"I am heartbroken that I have been deprived of seeing my mother again and that my children have been deprived of seeing their 'Nana' ever again.
"She was an important part of my family and I'm thankful that we ha...ve many happy memories of our time together. Mum was brutally taken away from us and the loss has created a wound in our hearts and minds that will never completely heal.
"On behalf of my mum I would like to thank everyone who has kindly and courageously come forward and given their evidence during what has been a difficult time for us all."
