A PENSIONER who desperately tried to stop a man killing his mother in the street has been praised for her “courageous” actions.

Margaret Anderson, 77, of Fambridge Close, rushed to help after hearing screams outside her house.

Amina Begum died as a result of the injuries she sustained when she was attacked by her son Javid Ahmed.

During the sentencing, Mrs Anderson was praised for her actions.

Prosecuting, Richard Kelly said: “I am sure the court will agree, for a woman in her 70s to run out to a man who was attacking a woman with a knife and machete and telling him to stop, is an incredibly courageous and commendable action.”

Judge Charles Gratwicke QC said: “I want to make sure that Mrs Anderson receives a £250 reward from the High Sheriff ’s fund for her praiseworthy and commendable actions during this incident.”

Speaking to the Standard , Margaret said: “I don’t feel as if I need a reward, I just saw someone doing something very wrong, I heard a scream and rushed out to try and help.

“I just feel very sorry for the family and everyone who knew her and was affected by her death, for the first month following it the people in the close were far more wary, and the children didn’t come out to play.

“We were quite new here when it happened, so we didn’t know anyone personally. But the community spirit here is wonderful, everyone helps each other out, and I hope we can all band together to keep terrible things from happening in the future.”

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Danny Stoten, said: “Amina Begum suffered a horrific death at the hands of her own son.

“The investigation has established that at the time, Ahmed was acutely unwell and that his mental capacity was significantly impaired.

He will now receive the ongoing medical care that he needs to help him to recover and come to terms with the enormity of what he has done.”