Burglar admits killing 89-year-old widow Dorothy Woolmer but denies rape
Reece Dempster, 23, who denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, faces trial at the Old Bailey next month.
Friday 17 January 2020 15:14, UK
A burglar has admitted killing an 89-year-old widow in the home she had lived in for more than 70 years but has denied rape.
Dorothy Woolmer was found dead in the bedroom of her terraced house in Waltheof Gardens, Tottenham, north London, last summer.
A post-mortem found she had died of multiple blunt trauma injuries.
At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, Reece Dempster, 23, denied her murder on 5 August, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
He also admitted to stealing a purse and its contents.
Dempster denied raping the pensioner and two counts of assault by penetration.
Mrs Woolmer's two great-nephews sat in court for the short hearing before Mr Justice Edis QC.
The victim, who was widowed in 2017 after 64 years of marriage, had previously been described by her family as a "wonderful, beautiful woman" who remained independent despite her advancing years.
Residents at the time also spoke of their shock, saying: "You couldn't wish for a better neighbour."
Dempster, from Haringey, north London, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas from the dock.
The accused, who wore a light blue shirt and trousers, was remanded in custody.
He faces an Old Bailey trial from 3 February, which is due to last for up to three weeks.