A 26-year-old woman who killed an elderly pensioner with dementia during a row over a long queue at a bank has been given a suspended sentence.
Courtney Richman had been waiting behind 82-year-old Myra Coutinho-Lopez when the argument began on 6 December 2021 at a branch in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, a court heard.
Coutinho-Lopez had attended the bank to withdraw money but became confused when presented with her bank statements, prosecutors said.
As the staff tried to help, a queue of other customers began to form and an argument broke out between Richman and Coutinho-Lopez over the length of time the victim was taking, the court heard.
When Coutinho-Lopez moved from the counter following the offer of assistance from a member of the public, Richman was seen clapping her hands.
Coutinho-Lopez then swung her handbag towards Richman who was hit by it as she turned away. Richman then pushed Coutinho-Lopez with both hands, causing the victim to travel some distance, landing on the floor on her hip and shoulder.
She was taken to hospital but died from her injuries over a week later on 16 December. Richman was arrested the day after the incident on Tuesday 7 December.
Richman, of Welwyn Garden City, had denied manslaughter but was convicted following a trial at Luton crown court.
She was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 21 months. Richman was also given a rehabilitation requirement lasting between 15 and 25 days and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Det Supt Rob Hall, head of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: “This has been a harrowing ordeal for Myra’s family and our thoughts remain with them at what continues to be a difficult time.”
Coutinho-Lopez’s daughter, Michelle Lopez, paid tribute to her mother and said: “We’ve been forced to navigate the difficulties and trials of life without my beloved mother for over two years.
“She’s left an unspeakable void to all who knew her including her beloved children, extended family and lifelong friends worldwide.
“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.”
