Handyman Sentenced for Killing Beloved Retired Nurse

Image: Metropolitan Police

The South London community has found some solace after a man was sentenced for the tragic death of 76-year-old retired nurse Nelly Akomah, who died during a violent burglary at her home in Croydon. Known for her compassion and dedication throughout a 30-year nursing career, Nelly’s life was cut short in a senseless act of greed. Now, justice has been served, offering a measure of closure to her grieving family and friends.

A Life of Service Cut Short

Nelly Akomah devoted her life to helping others. As a nurse, she cared for patients with kindness and professionalism for over three decades. After retiring, her service to the community didn’t stop—she became a respected leader in her church, known for her warmth and generosity.

On June 20, 2023, Nelly’s life ended in tragedy when a man she had previously hired to work in her home, 29-year-old handyman Hugo Da Silva Pires, broke into her house with the intent to steal. When Nelly confronted him, a struggle ensued, leading to her fatal fall down the stairs. 

The Crime and Arrest

Da Silva Pires, who had recently installed a kitchen in Nelly’s home, knew she lived alone and used that information to target her. He even disabled the CCTV system by cutting its wires to avoid being caught.

Kate Blackburn, Detective Chief Inspector from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said, “Instead of fleeing when he was discovered by Nelly, he violently confronted her which resulted in her falling down the stairs and sadly dying. Da Silva Pires didn’t try to help Nelly, he instead walked over her lifeless body on the stairs and left the house with her handbag.” After her death, he was seen on CCTV casually spending her money for personal purchases.

Da Silva Pires was arrested alongside his girlfriend, Catiana Feliciano, at Stansted Airport as they attempted to flee the country. Investigators connected him to the crime through DNA evidence found under Nelly’s fingernails and security footage of him using her stolen card.

Sentencing Brings Justice

This week, Da Silva Pires was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter, burglary, and fraud. Feliciano received a two-year sentence, having pleaded guilty to fraud and perverting the course of justice. While no sentence can undo the heartbreak of losing Nelly, the outcome brings a sense of justice to her loved ones and the Croydon community.

Remembering Nelly

Nelly’s friends, family, and former colleagues are remembering her for the remarkable life she led. Her decades of service as a nurse left a lasting impact on countless lives, and her role as a church leader brought comfort and hope to many in her community.

“Nelly brought compassion and care to everyone she came across in her life,” her family’s statement said. “We will forever cherish our memories with the matriarch of our family and community, whose life was taken far too soon.”

As the community mourns her loss, Nelly’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew her and in the values she stood for: compassion, service, and care.