'I pleaded with him not to harm my budgie' Pensioner relives night when burglars killer her beloved companion.

Byline: David James 

POLICE today revealed for the first time the devastating witness statement given by a 78-year-old woman whose pet was killed in front of her by burglars.

Six months on from the attack, officers have mounted a fresh bid to track down the two men who broke into the pensioner's house searching for drug money and snapped her budgie's neck.

A pounds 3,000 reward is being offered for information and a re-enactment of the burglary in Whitchurch Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff, is going to feature on Crimewatch.

Although the victim does not want to make her identity public, officers have released the witness statement she gave at the time of the attack six months ago today.

She told officers: "I heard one say 'Don't do the budgie'. I pleaded with the other not to harm my budgie, I couldn't bear to look. He just threw it on the floor, near the door leading to the hallway. He killed my budgie...

"I now feel very angry, upset and bitter about what these persons did to me and my pet. George was my best friend. He kept me company and I felt I could relate to him. His loss has left me devastated."

Detective Sergeant Stuart Wales, of Cathays CID, said officers have not forgotten the attack and wanted to do everything possible to find the culprits.

He said: "It has been six months since this dreadful crime occurred on January 16 but we at South Wales Police have never forgotten this incident and are still determined to bring those responsible to justice.

"Six months is a long time and loyalties between people might have changed - if you can help solve this crime please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 in complete anonymity."

Two men wearing beanie hats and scarves broke into the woman's house between 7pm and 7.35pm on Friday, January 16. They ransacked the rooms, threatened the woman with her own walking stick and stole approximately pounds 150. She was then forced to witness one of them snap the neck of her budgerigar George.

Det Sgt Wales said the two men were armed with an auctioneer-style hammer and said he hoped the revelation might spark someone's memory.

John Bradley, a friend of the victim, said: "Visiting the elderly lady frequently has been nothing but a great pleasure, but witnessing her despair in the space of a night was harrowing.

"She went from a lively lady to being frightened and lonely. The impact of the burglary and the callous killing of her beloved budgie had an enormous effect on the lady's life.

"Her companion can never be replaced and the memories of the burglary will never fade but of the cruel, heartless men are found and punished then there may be some light in an otherwise extremely sad story."

At the time, the victim received many offers of money and new budgies. The victim greatly appreciated the kind gestures but does not wish to receive any further offers or gifts.

Independent charity Crimestoppers is putting up the pounds 3,000 reward. Contact the charity on 0800 555 111 or visit the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org with information

HERE, THE VICTIM SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME ABOUT HER BREAK-IN ORDEAL AND THE DEATH OF HER BUDGIE

On Friday, January 16 I was at home at 7pm. I was sat in my living room watching Emmerdale.

'' "I heard a 'bump' at my kitchen door. I thought it was my friend. I then saw two persons walk in from the kitchen into my living room.

"Both of them had their faces covered. [Male one] shouted to me, 'Sit down, we won't hurt you'.

"I got up from my chair, he pushed me back into my chair. He put his hand to my face and pushed my head back.

The reason he put his hand on my mouth was to prevent me from shouting for help.

"He then shouted, 'I want pounds 100 for drugs; "I said, 'I haven't got it'. "He said, 'What about your pension'.

"[Male two] went upstairs and male one stayed with me, he was carrying a golden-coloured mallet. It was something similar to the type they have in the auctions. I think he was carrying it to break my window in case they could not get inside my home.

"He took my walking stick and pushed me with it. I thought he was going to hit me with it.

"[Male one] went to the cage of my budgie called George which was located in one corner of the living room. He removed George from his cage and I heard George squeak.

"I heard [male two] say, 'Don't do the budgie'. I pleaded with him not to harm my budgie, I couldn't bear to look. He just threw it on the floor, near the door leading to the hallway. He killed my budgie.

"They took the door keys and locked me in. I then called the police.

"I know feel very angry, upset and bitter about what these persons did to me and my pet. George was my best friend. He kept me company and I felt I could relate to him. His loss has left me devastated.

"These persons trashed my home. I was shocked by the state of the place after they left.

"No person had permission to enter and ransack my home in this manner, threaten me, assault me, steal my property, frighten and then kill my budgie."

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CAPTION(S):

How the burglars who killed the budgie were dressed, right Gavel used in the attack