Tributes have been paid to a pensioner who was killed in a Welwyn Garden City bank, after a woman was found guilty of manslaughter.

Courtney Richman was convicted by a jury of seven women and five men at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (February 29), for the death of Myra Coutinho-Lopez, who she pushed over in the Howardsgate branch of Lloyds.

She suffered fractures of her left upper arm and thigh bone and bruising to her left upper arm, wrist, the tops of her fingers, around her rib cage and flank.

As well as Alzheimer’s, she suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As a result of the fractures fatty substances were released in her body that caused damage to her lungs and brain.

After the decision, Mrs Coutinho-Lopez's family paid tribute to her, saying the passing of the "vibrant" 82-year-old had "left behind a tremendous void to all who knew her".

"Myra Coutinho-Lopez, was the youngest of five sisters," they said. 

"Shortly after her marriage at the age of 21, Myra became mother to two sons and two daughters, who became her focus and priority in life, and she centred around providing for and rearing her children successfully, and continued to do so single-handedly when she sadly became a widow at the young age of 39.

"To that end, Myra cultivated an exceptional career holding several executive positions including at Parliament.

"Myra's entrepreneurial talent soon shone through as she became extremely accomplished, running multiple businesses as well as real estate both nationally and internationally.

"As a Jehovah's Witness, Myra dedicated much of her life to helping others realise the joy and peace that she had experienced from her faith.

"Her kindness, generosity and hospitality were abundant, Myra had a strong commitment to supporting others whenever and wherever possible, not only with her time and finances but also with her business acumen.

"An independent, vibrant and active lady, Myra loved to dance. She was a talented musician who could play any tune by ear, and often entertained others with her keyboard skills and singing or playing the CDs that she had personally created and recorded later on in life and that she aptly named 'Myra's Sunset Wonder'.

"A truly unique person with a wonderful sense of humour, Myra exuded confidence, she was an attractive lady, who was always fashionably dressed, and well-presented and remained so throughout her years.

"Myra was never shy to share advice on how to maintain good looks and health and have a positive outlook for the future. She truly was an example of how to survive and thrive in life despite adversities and setbacks.

"Myra's life was taken away from her on December 16, 2021 and has left behind a tremendous void to all who knew her including her beloved children, extended family and lifelong friends worldwide, who miss her deeply and will continue to cherish her memory and honour her legacy of kindness, fortitude and generosity."