‘MUM WAS FUN AND WELL LOVED, OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN TORN APART’

MRS Yandle’s son, James, read the following statement to the court: “We make this statement on behalf of my mother as she is still too unwell to provide any statement or information to the police.

“When this happened Mum was 72, 5ft 2in tall and of small build physically, she would have had no chance against her attacker.

“As a person, my mother was an independent woman and although a retired teacher, was still happily active in the community, tutoring many children through their GCSEs and A-levels.

“Mum had a great sense of humour, dry wit and was fun to be around, whilst also believing in living a life of discipline and morals.

“The fact is, Mum was a well-loved person, she enjoyed sport, dinner with her friends, tutoring, especially children with difficulties, like dyslexia. From this she gained and had many, many friends.

“This was Mum up to the morning of January 9, 2019. On this day her life was taken away from her. She may be alive, but we as family members grieve for her.

“Mum can now barely read or write, needs 24-7 care and will now lead a life of somebody caring for her, whereas she used to care for everybody else.

“Our family has been torn apart, and this was the reason she lived and breathed, to keep our family together. She has been deprived of the rest of her life and we have lost our mum and ‘Mamgu’.”

Following the sentencing, DCI Matthew Davies added: “I would like to thank the community for their support in helping us piece together what happened to Ruth.

“I know this incident caused significant concern. I hope the lengthy sentence Lloyd has received helps gives some reassurance and sends a clear message.”