murder victim Pat Jobson

A woman who brutally murdered a pensioner has been sentenced at the Old Bailey today to life imprisonment.

Karen Williamson

Self -confessed cocaine addict and former EastEnders actress Karen Williamson, of Rangefield Road, Downham, pleaded guilty to murdering 86-year-old Jean Jobson at her home in Oakridge Road, Downham, between Friday 18 and Saturday 19 February 2011.

Williamson will serve a minimum of 24 years’ imprisonment.

Widow Jean Jobson who was known as Pat to her friends and had lived in the Downham area for many years.

She was extremely popular with her neighbours who knew her as a friendly and caring woman who would not hesitate to help those in need.

She was found murdered in her home by police on February 20 last years after they were contacted by concerned family and friends.

Mrs Jobson had been attacked about the head with a hammer and a heavy glass jug which had caused her skull to collapse and fracture. A post-mortem examination also revealed strangulation marks and various other bruises and fractures to Mrs Jobson’s hands and body and there had been an attempt to set fire to her home.

Karen Williamson, 46, who has been jailed for life for Mrs Jobson’s murder had been hired by her victim to do some casual gardening. Following a disagreement concerning unfinished work that Mrs Jobson had paid Williamson upfront for, she was brutally murdered.

Williamson a self-confessed crack-cocaine user also stole Mrs Jobson’s purse and jewellery which she pawned for £61.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, homicide and serious crime command, said: “Pat Jobson was a popular and well loved member of the community. Her violent death caused shock and disbelief and many wondered why a lone and vulnerable woman would be attacked in this way. Karen Williamson, a drug user killed Pat for a measly £61. I am pleased with the sentence she has received today and hope that this is some comfort to Pat’s family who have been left devastated by her murder.”