By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:12, Wednesday, 13 March 2013

A jury has cleared a man from Carlisle of murdering his girlfriend’s 80-year-old grandmother by smothering her with a pillow.

From her hospital bed, Connie French told detectives less than two weeks before she died that George Portsmouth attempted to suffocate her.

She was only able to mouth answers to police and write details on a notepad because of injuries to her larynx. The prosecution said that gambling addict Portsmouth – who was said in court to be originally from Carlisle – had broken into her home in Colne, Lancashire, last March and attacked her before stealing £230.

Portsmouth, 26, from Varley Street, Colne, denied he was her attacker, insisting it was a case of mistaken identity.

A jury at Preston Crown Court cleared Portsmouth of Mrs French’s murder.

Following the verdict, Lancashire Police said they were not looking for anyone in connection with the offence. Detective Superintendent Paul Withers said: “While I respect the decision of the court, naturally Connie’s family is disappointed with the decision of the jury to clear the defendant on the charge of murder.

“The force major investigation team carried out a full and thorough investigation into the death of Connie French and both the constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service felt it was the correct decision to prosecute George Portsmouth,” added DS Withers. “I am disappointed for Connie’s family, who have conducted themselves with dignity from the outset, and we will continue to offer them support for as long as they need it.

“In relation to the investigation, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.”

First published at 11:54, Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk