Neighbours’ shock at Bertha’s death

Jun 28 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

THIS is the first picture of frail 85-year-old Bertha Martin who was allegedly murdered by her daughter with an ornamental shire horse last week.

The pensioner, of Woodlands Road, Cleadon, South Tyneside, was admitted to South Tyneside District Hospital on June 17, having suffered a severe injury to the left side of her head.

Mrs Martin, who was known by her middle name, Lauren, died of a brain haemorrhage a week later.

Her daughter, Jennifer Shelton, 56, of King Charles Street, Downhill, Sunderland, was arrested on Wednesday accused of the murder.

On Thursday she appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court and her case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where she will appear before a judge next Wednesday. She was remanded in custody until then.

Last night police investigations were continuing at the property in Cleadon. The semi-detached house was originally sealed off with police tape and a search ensued as forensic investigators gathered evidence.

The investigation shocked the comfortable neighbourhood of Cleadon.

One woman who lives nearby said: “Nothing like this has ever happened around here. It’s usually very peaceful.

“We all thought it must have been something serious because police tape was around the house and we saw some forensic people coming out.”

Post-mortem examinations revealed Mrs Martin had suffered an acute brain haemorrhage. It is believed she had lived in Woodlands Road for several years.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Steve Barron said: “We are investigating the death of an 85-year-old woman from Cleadon. The woman died at South Tyneside District Hospital on Tuesday after being admitted on Tuesday, June 17.

“A Home Office post-mortem has been carried out and a provisional cause of the woman’s death is due to an acute brain haemorrhage.”