CCTV captures horrifying moment OPA suffering from dementia was killed by bank customer in queue

This is the moment an impatient bank customer pushed a “confused” pensioner to the ground, killing her. Courtney Richman had grown impatient as queues formed as dementia sufferer Myra Coutinho-Lopez tried to withdraw money from Lloyds Bank in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

As staff tried to help her, a queue started to form in the branch. And then a fight broke out between the two women during the pensioner’s time.

When the elderly victim moved away from the counter following the offer of assistance from a member of the public, Richman was seen clapping her hands. The pensioner reacted by swinging her bag at Richman, hitting her with it as she turned around.

Richman then pushed the pensioner with both hands, sending him “some distance”, landing on the floor on his hip and shoulder. She was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries over a week later on Thursday 16th December 2021.

Richman was arrested the day after the incident, Tuesday, December 7. She appeared at Luton Crown Court on Friday for sentencing, having previously been convicted of manslaughter.

She was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 21 months. Richman was also given a rehabilitation requirement lasting between 15 and 25 days and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Following her death, the pensioner’s family paid tribute to her saying she was a “truly unique person” who had “a strong commitment to supporting others whenever and wherever possible”.

Detective Superintendent 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 are with them at what continues to be a difficult time.”

Myra’s daughter Michelle Lopez paid tribute to her mother and said: “For over two years we have been forced to go through the difficulties and trials of life without my beloved mother. His life was taken on December 16, 2021 and we have been stuck in an emotional prison with scars too deep to mend ever since.

“She has left an unspeakable void to all who knew her, including her beloved children, extended family and lifelong friends around the world. The longing for my mother’s presence is a constant ache in my heart, especially when I observe other daughters engaging in mundane activities with their mothers, such as grocery shopping or sharing coffee or a meal together. These memorable moments now evoke a sense of emptiness.

“Those who knew her miss her deeply and will continue to cherish her memory and honor her legacy of kindness, strength and generosity. She was a shining light on how to survive and thrive in life despite adversity and setbacks.

“After enduring years of waiting, I am grateful to the jury for reaching a guilty verdict and for the work of officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service.”