20/12/2010

Man Convicted Of 1982 Triple Murder

A man has been convicted of murdering a mother and her two daughters nearly 30 years ago.

Wilbert Anthony Dyce (also know as Tony), 54, from Forest Gate, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of stabbing to death Norma Richards, 27, and her nine-year-old daughter Samantha, and drowning Syretta, aged seven in 1982.

Dyce was caught almost three decades after the brutal murders thanks to advances in DNA technology and the help of the local community who came forward to give evidence even after so many years had passed.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Lawrence, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "This was a truly appalling crime, with the lives of a young woman and her two children, aged just nine and seven, tragically taken. It has been the prosecution case that Norma Richards was murdered as part of a sexual attack; her attacker then killed her in her own home and went on to murder the children in cold blood to prevent his identification.

"This has been a disturbing trial for all concerned to hear of the extreme violence in this case and I would like to acknowledge the dignity and resilience shown by the family and friends of the deceased who have attended court throughout. Rhodene Cunningham has lost a mother and two sisters who she was too young at the time to remember. This result cannot bring back Norma, Samantha and Syretta but we hope it can help the family come to terms with these dreadful events.

"Wilbert Dyce is an evil, violent man who preys on the weak and vulnerable. He has never accepted responsibility for these terrible crimes nor at any stage shown remorse.

"I would like to pay tribute to those members of the local community who came forward to give information about this case.

"A total of 28 years on, this has been a difficult investigation, and I would like to compliment the professionalism and determination of the CPS, counsel and the investigative team which resulted in this successful prosecution.

"This case highlights the determination of the Met Police to solve every murder and bring those responsible to justice. A case is never closed."

Dyce was sentenced to life imprisonment with no consideration for parole.

(BMcN)

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