OCCUPIED COUNTRY

We're on a Road to Nowhere

SCARED TO DEATH

by SAMANTHA MYERS

A FORMER GP’s fear of confronting one of her attackers in court caused her death before the case was heard, her grieving daughter has claimed.

Dr Joice Imlay’s nightmare started in May, 2002, when a man and woman broke into her Werneth home while she was in bed.

The terrified grandmother was almost smothered with a duvet by the male attacker, who then tied her up with a scarf and threatened her with a knife.

And her daughter, Fiona Imlay, believes it was the fear of having to face one of her attackers again that caused the 84-year-old’s death last November.

Speaking after Beverley Shaw (36) received a 12-month jail sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, for her part in the burglary, Fiona said: “I honestly believe that mother was so terrified of coming face to face with this woman that it caused her death.

“When we were originally told that the court case would be in December, my mother’s health stared to deteriorate. She wouldn’t eat and didn’t want to leave the house.”

Once an active woman who spent many years working with her late husband, Witold, as GPs in Failsworth Health Centre, Lord Lane and Limeside, Mrs Imlay was very badly affected by the break-in.

Afterwards she was left petrified in her own home and would tremble and shake if she heard a noise.

Money and jewellery were stolen during the burglary but it was First and Second World War medals belonging to Mrs Imlay’s father, who was one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, that held the greatest sentimental value.

They had the name Major AP Imlay or Lt Col AP Imlay on them, and one was a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) which is very rare.

Fiona said: “My mother was most distressed when the medals were taken. I hope that they fall into the right hands and someone hands them into the police because they really meant a lot to all of us.”

Det Con Jason Ruff said: “I am pleased that Shaw has been jailed for her part in the burglary but it is a shame that Mrs Imlay didn’t get closure before she died.

“She was left shaken and distressed by what happened to her and I am glad that Shaw is now behind bars.”

A man was also charged with burglary but the case did not get to court because the Crown Prosecution Service said there was not enough evidence.

However, the police said that if any new evidence is brought to their attention, a prosecution could follow.

Anyone with information about the second offender, or about the medals, should contact thepolice on 0161-856 8940 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

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Doctor Imlay delivered my wife and my eldest son. Dr Imlay was an old-fashioned GP who knew everything about your medical history - as well as all your immediate relatives and forbears. And now she's dead. A victim of some slimeball's desire for drug money.

This story greeted us from the front page of one of the local rags this evening. What can I say but....12 months? You're 'avin' a laaarf aren't ya? And as for the man who was also arrested....."not enough evidence"? I take it his partner in crime took the fifth then did she?

Twat.