A pensioner who died in a Welwyn Garden City bank has "left an unspeakable void" in her family, who paid tribute to her following the sentencing of her killer.
Richman, of George Court in Welwyn Garden City, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 21 months after appearing at Luton Crown Court today (May 31).
The 26-year-old was also given a rehabilitation requirement lasting between 15 to 25 days, and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Paying tribute to her, Ms Coutinho-Lopez's daughter, Michelle Lopez said: "We’ve been forced to navigate the difficulties and trials of life without my beloved mother for more than two years.
"Her life was taken away from her on December 16, 2021, and we’ve been left trapped in an emotional prison with scars too deep to be mended ever since.
"She’s left an unspeakable void to all who knew her including her beloved children, extended family and lifelong friends worldwide.
"The yearning for my mother’s presence is a constant ache in my heart, particularly as I observe other daughters engaging in mundane activities with their mothers, such as grocery shopping or sharing a coffee or meal together. These memorable moments now evoke a feeling of emptiness.
"Those who knew her miss her deeply and will continue to cherish her memory and honour her legacy of kindness, fortitude and generosity. She was a shining light on how to survive and thrive in life despite adversities and setbacks.
"After enduring years of waiting, I’m thankful to the jury for reaching a guilty verdict, and for the work of Hertfordshire Constabulary officers and the Crown Prosecution Service."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here