THE story of the final weeks of Nancy Smith’s life is a sad one.
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The Benalla great-grandmother was 93 but had continued to live an active life, still living in her own house and socialising with family members and friends.
But the change wrought upon her by the burglary of her home has been offered by family and police as evidence of the impact of crime upon its victims.
Her children say their mother became increasingly stressed in the wake of the burglary in which family jewellery and other items were stolen.
They argue she had been fit and well and while some might suggest Mrs Smith was elderly and nearing the end of her life, they offer evidence of the effect the crime had on her health.
Their assertion is supported by police, concerned the plight of the victim is too often overshadowed by the excuses of the defendant when crimes are heard by the court.
Mrs Smith’s family deserve to have the tragedy of their mother’s death taken into account when those responsible for the burglary are found and charged.
They and police want the balance to shift, to allow the voice of the victim to be heard, both by the judiciary and by the general public.
