Man goes on trial for murder of town centre newsagent

A NEWSAGENT was responding well to cancer treatment when she was fatally attacked, a court has heard.
Judith DuckerJudith Ducker
Judith Ducker

A NEWSAGENT was responding well to cancer treatment when she was attacked, a court has heard.

Judith Ducker (64) was receiving chemotherapy for stage four breast cancer when she was badly beaten at Wellgate News on September 1, 2016 — and died in hospital six weeks later after medics had to stop treatment because of head injuries sustained in the attack.

A robber entered at 11am, knocked her to the ground and hit her repeatedly in the head, fracturing her skull.

The man accused of attacking Ms Ducker, robbing her of just £40, went on trial at Sheffield Crown Court today (Monday).

Storm Blueitt (36) — born Paul Rogers — said he cannot remember the events of September 1 because of blackouts and amnesia he suffered at that time.

Opening the case this morning, prosecutor Mr Nicholas Campbell said Blueitt was then using both methodone and heroin and robbed Wellgate News to feed his habit.

Mr Campbell told jurors Ms Ducker had developed terminal cancer after ignoring a lump in her breast, due to her fear of hospitals and dying there.

She died in hospital on October 20 — pathologists found the cancer had killed her, after treatments were suspended due to her head injuries.

These treatments might have extended Ms Ducker’s life by months, Mr Campbell said, meaning Blueitt’s alleged actions played a significant role in her death.

Blueitt, of Cambridge Crescent, East Dene, denies one count of murder and one of robbery.

The trial continues.