Heartbroken mother died just weeks before trial into son's death began

Iris Beckwith, 75, was left without her beloved son Michael after he was viciously attacked last July.

Although she received support from family, close friends and neighbours throughout the ordeal, she sadly suffered a heart attack and died in January.

She had planned to attend the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court and face Michael’s attackers.

Devastated neighbour and friend Sandra Bradley, 64, became close with Iris and Michael after they moved to Goodlake Close, Dovercourt, around 14 years ago.

She paid tribute to the “lovely” pair, who she says were a big part of her life.

“I would like to think they are together again now,” she said. “He was all she had and she was all he had.

“I can still remember that horrible morning when Iris phoned me at 6.30am to say ‘Michael’s in hospital.’

“I am still living it to this day.”

Sandra, who has lived in Goodlake Close for 28 years, made sure she cared for Iris following Michael’s death.

“They were part of our lives,” she said.

“What happened will be with me for the rest of mine.

"His death had a traumatic affect on her – she was living for the result of the trial I think.

“My son, Lee, would go fishing with Michael often.

"They actually had plans to go fishing and were planning the trip before it happened.

“They both worked different shift patterns, but they used to arrange fishing trips, go off and really enjoy themselves.

“Myself and Iris were close, Michael and Lee were our boys.”

She added: “This is something I never imagined happening.

“There is not a day that goes by I don’t think about it all.

"I have lived and breathed it since it happened and I still am to some extent.”

Michael Beckwith worked as a health care assistant at Connolly House care home, in Weeley.

Mandy Howard, assistant director at the home, said friends and co-workers had been following the trial.

She paid tribute to a dedicated carer who, she said, was “always happy and smiling”.

“Michael was at Connolly House for a few years, taking on the clients’ day-to-day needs,” she said.

“I employed Michael and he was just a lovely, caring, young man.

“He had a lovely rapport with the clients and was always happy and smiling.

"Talking about him now, I can still remember the little dimples in his cheeks when he smiled.

“He was so caring, got on well with everyone here and was supportive towards his co-workers.”

She added: “When we heard about what happened we were devastated here.

"I was on holiday at the time and the director rang me, it was shocking news.

“From a professional point of view I hired him myself as HR manager.

“He was extremely lovely and charismatic, and that came across in his interview.

"It was why I hired him.”