Life for burglar who murdered his neighbour as her terrified son looked on

From: Daily Mail | Date: May 8, 2002| Author: | Copyright information

A TERRIFIED schoolboy watched helplessly as his mother was murdered by a drug-crazed burglar, knowing he would be his next victim.

Bound and gagged, 15-year-old Simon Parry had to endure his mother Brenda's dying groans as she was battered and strangled.

John Flanagan, 38, then turned on the boy - who recognised him as a former neighbour - and began strangling him with his school tie.

His life was only saved by the unexpected appearance of his sister Nicola, 18, who had returned home to Aigburth, Liverpool from a shopping trip after forgetting her keys.

Her brother feared she would become ...

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