Murderer who killed a loved grandmother dies in prison

A COLD-blooded murderer who took the life of a much-loved grandmother has died in prison while serving a 33-year sentence.

- By POPPY KENNEDY

Norma Bell, 79, was a much-loved mother-of-nine from Hartlepool, who had fostered around 50 children with her late husband John. But her life was brutally cut short.

Gareth Dack was found guilty of her murder after he strangled the grandmother to death in her own home in Hartlepool.

The callous killer rung sex lines on her phone and ransacked the house before setting it ablaze in a bid to cover his tracks in April 2016.

After a three week trail in January 2017, Dack was found guilty of murder and arson at Teesside Crown Court.

He was jailed for life and was told he'd serve a minimum of 33 years in prison.