A Thornton Heath man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of 76-year-old retired nurse Nelly Akomah, who died following a violent confrontation during a burglary at her home in Croydon.
Hugo Da Silva Pires, 29, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, November 25, 2024, after pleading guilty to manslaughter, burglary, and fraud earlier this year.
The Incident
The court heard that on June 20, 2023, Da Silva Pires, who had recently installed a kitchen at Nelly’s home, returned at night knowing she lived alone. While Nelly was upstairs, he entered her property with the intention of stealing.
When confronted by Nelly, Da Silva Pires attacked her, causing her to fall down the stairs. Tragically, she died as a result of her injuries. Rather than helping her, Da Silva Pires stepped over her body and fled the scene with her handbag.
He later used her bank card to purchase items, including smartphones, children’s bedding, and power tools.
Evidence and Arrest
Detectives quickly identified Da Silva Pires using CCTV footage showing him using Nelly’s stolen bank card. Further evidence included his DNA found under Nelly’s fingernails, a result of her attempts to fight back. Da Silva Pires had also tried to evade detection by cutting CCTV wires at the scene and discarding the bank cards and his mobile phone.
Da Silva Pires and his girlfriend, Catiana Feliciano, 33, were arrested at Stansted Airport while attempting to flee to the Azores. At the time of his arrest, Da Silva Pires had visible scratches on his face and neck.
Feliciano was later sentenced to two years in prison for fraud and perverting the course of justice after helping him discard evidence.
Victim Remembered
Nelly was a highly respected member of her community and a devoted treasurer for Tooting Methodist Church. Her family described her as an “extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend,” who dedicated her life to helping others during her 30-year nursing career.
In a heartfelt statement, her family said:
“We will forever cherish our memories with the matriarch of our family and community, whose life was taken far too soon… Hugo Da Silva Pires is a heartless individual. He deliberately preyed on an elderly woman who trusted him in her home as a tradesman. The manslaughter conviction can never quantify the severity of this crime.”
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command condemned Da Silva Pires’ actions, saying:
“Nelly was an elderly woman of small stature who had only ever shown Da Silva Pires kindness and trust. Instead of fleeing when discovered, he violently confronted her, causing her death. He is an abhorrent man whose greed led to this devastating outcome.”
Sentencing
Da Silva Pires was sentenced to:
- 12 years for manslaughter, burglary, and fraud.
His girlfriend, Feliciano, received a two-year sentence in January 2024 for her role in assisting him after the crime.
Community Impact
This tragic incident has shaken the local community, highlighting the devastating consequences of greed and violence. Nelly’s family thanked the police for their tireless efforts and requested privacy to grieve and rebuild their lives.
