Hilda Ashdown

Hilda Ashdown, an 82-year-old widow who had lived in her Camberwell, south London home for 47 years, was murdered on 15th March 2003.

Elroy Simmonds and an accomplice forced their way into her flat after she left the door slightly open. When she fought back with her walking stick, Simmonds punched and kicked her repeatedly in the face and body. She suffered severe injuries, was hospitalised, and died 10 days later on 25 March 2003. 

Simmonds, a convicted rapist (jailed at 18 for raping and robbing a 49-year-old woman with learning difficulties) and serial robber who targeted elderly and vulnerable victims (11 known victims aged 73–95), had a history of posing as a council worker or someone looking for an address to gain entry.

He was found guilty of her murder at the Old Bailey in November 2004 and jailed for life, with a minimum of 16 years.

The judge described him as a particular danger to the old and vulnerable. No one else was convicted in connection with Hilda’s murder.

Rest in peace Hilda. You will not be forgotten.