Teesside Hero Denise had the 'friendliest face you ever saw'

TRIBUTES TO DEDICATED WITNESS SERVICE WORKER

- By POPPY KENNEDY

BEAUTIFUL tributes have been paid to a “reassuring, kind and funny” volunteer who dedicated decades of her life to supporting witnesses of crime.

Denise Brette sadly died on February 12 earlier this year after falling ill.

The 70-year-old grandmother had volunteered for the Witness Service on Teesside for more than 22 years, supporting those attending court to give evidence.

In a touching eulogy reading at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, judges paid tribute to the “formidable” lady who had “the friendliest face you ever saw.

Judge Richard Bennett said: “Denise was reassuring, kind and funny.

“She was energetic and she knew precisely what to say to anxious witnesses to make them feel better and to calm them down.

“It’s no exaggeration to say there will literally be thousands of people who passed through this building who will have had the benefit of her company and her wise words of counsel and whose experience was less stressful or upsetting for it.

“She spread happiness and kindness whenever and wherever she came into contact with those using this building.

“She was, of course, small in stature... but she radiated light. She was generous, generous with her time and generous with her advice.”

Denise - mum to Kelly and Alan and grandmother to Mollie, Noah and Neive - was described as a “feeder”, always bringing in baked treats for judges, lawyers and staff at the court.

But her kindness and generosity is best highlighted in her efforts to support witnesses of crime.