Richard Clayton

Richard Clayton, 45, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey on 28 September 2026, with a minimum term of 22 years to be served before he is eligible for release. Clayton had previously entered a guilty plea to the murder of his 74-year-old mother, Angela Clayton, at their shared home in Newham.

The court heard that on 17 February 2026, Clayton killed his mother by strangulation. Investigations revealed that Clayton had been stealing money and belongings from his mother to fund his cannabis and cocaine use, both prior to and following the incident. After killing his mother, Clayton withdrew £200 from her bank account before contacting emergency services to report what he had done.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Nigel Lickley KC noted that the victim was vulnerable due to health conditions and unable to defend herself against the attack. The court heard that the victim had been a devoted and kind mother who continued to support Clayton despite his previous behaviour. Clayton was taken into custody on 18 February 2026 and remained in detention until his sentencing.