Camden New Journal - News: Daughter’s tribute to ‘loving mum’

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Camden New Journal - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 27 September 2007

Daughter’s tribute to ‘loving mum’

THE sister of a drug addict who murdered their mother has said: “It is difficult to say how loving she was in words”.
Crack cocaine user Martin “Amato” Wright, 39, was jailed for life earlier this month for the murder of his mother Maria, 71.
The pensioner was repeatedly stabbed and beaten at the home they shared in Harmood Street, Chalk Farm last March. Mr Wright, 39, had a history of stealing from his mother to fund his habit.
In a statement read to the Old Bailey, Anna Oliver, Ms Wright’s daughter and the killer’s sister, said: “Everyone who knew my mother would describe her as the perfect mum.
“It’s difficult to say how loving she was. As a single parent she filled the role of mother and father.
“My mum loved her children so much she would have done anything to protect them.
“She lived for her family. Her loss and the devastation it has caused to all of the family is impossible to put into words.”
Ms Oliver added: “He (Martin) had a fiery temper. As a result of his drug habit he began to steal from family members.
“At first it was money but then he moved on to electrical items.
“At Christmas I gave my mother a new DVD player and within a matter of weeks he had sold it. Birthday cards with cash in them and presents would go missing.
“He began to take an unhealthy interest in my jewellery. I found his behaviour strange and scary. I believe he grew to resent my mother and blame her for his lack of progress in life. He would often take drugs in my mother’s house. She would speak carefully in the presence of my brother and it seemed like she didn’t want to do anything to upset him.”
Mr Wright’s other sister, Grazia, who lives in Chalk Farm, declined to comment.

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