Rene and George Darvell

Grandson describes shock and anger following burglary of his dead grandmother’s Holloway home

Aimee Brannen Thursday, February 14, 2013
12:14 PM

The heartless burglary of Rene Darvell’s home within days of her death left her grieving family shocked and devastated.

Her grandson Colin Jordan, 48, said the thieves sentenced for the crime this week had trodden on the memory of his late grandmother and urged their assailants – who are yet to be caught – to hand themselves into police and return the jewellery of “irreplaceable sentimental value” they stole from her home in Bradley Close, Holloway, on August 10 last year.

The burglars even swiped a silver crucifix hanging on an urn containing the ashes of Mrs Darvell’s late husband George in the raid – which police said caused so much outrage it nearly sparked a “lynch mob mentality” in the community.

Mr Jordan said: “They had absolutely turned the place upside down and they didn’t need to do that, it was totally unecessary and unwarranted.

“We are all incredibly shocked and incredibly angry at what they have done – as was the community as a whole.

“They have not only let themselves down, they have let down their community and trodden on the memory of my grandmother and all she stood for. She was greatly loved in the community. She would go out of her way to help anyone suffering or down on their luck – anyone who knew her would tell you that.

“I’m only thankful that she was never able to know what had happened as she would have found it crucifying. She was described at her funeral as an angel, and that was what she was.”

Of the community service sentences handed to Zack Heaton, 20, of Spencer Rise, Tufnell Park, and Jessie Courtney, 21, of Caledonian Road, Holloway, this week, Mr Jordan added: “I’m disappointed that they weren’t given custodial sentences as I believe they deserve them. But it’s my wish that everyone knows exactly what they have done.’’

Born in Blundell Street, Mrs Darvell, whose real name was Daisy, married her husband of 65 years George, who also lived on the same road, during the Blitz. Mr Darvell, who died in 2006, ran an engineering company from the street, where Mrs Darvell also worked.