'Geek' Twins Detained For Killing Gran

[Cintaria]

Twin brothers who killed their gran after leaving their 18th birthday party to steal her life savings have each been detained for nine years.

Robert and Jonathan Maskell - convicted of her manslaughter - were later seen grinning on CCTV spending the cash on mobile phones.

They also used the money to buy a kebab as they returned to their party in January 2004.

The killers' accomplice Dwane Johnston, 19, who had just been released from prison and was living with their victim, was also sentenced to nine years.

On top of their terms - to be served in a Young Offenders' Institute - each will serve three years on licence.

Grandmother Anjelica Hallwood, 74, who was known as Mari, was beaten and asphyxiated at her home in Edmonton, north London.

Described as "geeky" by police, the 6ft 2in tall twins found just over £1,000.

Johnston hit the 4ft 10-in tall pensioner in the face and applied pressure to her throat as he pinned her down.

Judge Gerald Gordon said: "It is difficult to imagine a more despicable crime."

As the three were led away from the dock, their victim's son Peter shouted: "Bye, scumbags."

The brothers were cleared of Mrs Hallwood's murder at the Old Bailey last month but were convicted of manslaughter and robbery.

Johnston - their sister's boyfriend - was also convicted of manslaughter after being found not guilty of murder. He admitted robbery.

Each man was also sentenced to seven years, with a two-and-a-half year extended licence, for robbery. The sentences will run concurrently.

The brothers are not related by blood to Mrs Hallwood but regarded her as their gran and were treated like family.

They are the sons of her son Peter's former wife. All three defendants come from Edmonton.

CNN.com