Home   Kent   News   Article

Mother and daughter Shirley and Lynette Banfield guilty of murder

Don Banfield, who went missing from his London home. His wife Shirley Banfield and Daughter Lynette Banfield are accused of his murder.
Don Banfield, who went missing from his London home. His wife Shirley Banfield and Daughter Lynette Banfield are accused of his murder.

A Canterbury wife and daughter have today been found guilty of murdering their husband and father more than 10 years ago.

Pensioner Don Banfield vanished after leaving his house in Wealdstone, north west London, on May 19, 2001.

The retired betting shop manager's body has never been found.

Shirley Banfield, 64, and her daughter Lynette Banfield, 40, of Ashford Road, Canterbury,had already admitted charges of fraud, forgery and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

They were today found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey and are facing life sentences.

The pair are believed to have smothered womaniser Mr Banfield in his bed to get their hands on his pension pot and his share of the family home.

For years they claimed his annuity, telling friends and family the 63-year-old had simply vanished as they pocketed more than £120,000.

But the location of the body and how it was disposed of remains a mystery.

Detectives believe the two women must have been helped by others - but are unable to say who.

Police are now to speak to the Banfields in prison to ask them to reveal the location so other members of his family can pay their respects at a proper burial.

Shirley Banfield collapsed in the dock as the jury returned guilty verdicts against her and university graduate Lynette.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More