AN ACTON care worker who devoted her life to helping vulnerable people was murdered by one of her service users.

Jenny Foote, who worked at Collette House in Perryn Road, which houses people with varying mental health issues, was attacked with a fire extinguisher by resident Michael Meanza after she asked him to turn down his TV.

Meanza, 47, who was taking medication for schizophrenia, was yesterday found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum 24 years.

Michael Foote said of his 38-year-old sister, who lived in Craven Park in northwest London: “Jenny had a heart of gold and she seemed destined in using that kindness in a caring profession as a social worker, helping others less fortunate then herself.”

Miss Foote did a social work degree while working two jobs, but never got to attend her graduation as she was killed just two months after completing it.

“It's been very difficult to cope with the fact that Jenny died such a violent and senseless death alone in an office," said Mr Foote.

“It's hard to get out of your head the loneliness and fear she must have felt that very moment the office door was forced back against her, and Michael Meanza forced his way in.”

Meanza struck Miss Foote on the head and left her for dead on the office floor, where she was discovered by another member of staff who followed a trail of blood.

He was captured on CCTV walking away from the office and leaving the building on July 27 last year. Following a police appeal he was quickly traced the same day to a friend's place in Eaton Rise near Ealing Broadway.

Miss Foote's brother said despite spending three decades in the police force, nothing had prepared him for the moment officers turned up at his door to break the awful news.

Their mum was away at bible camp at the time and he had to relay the tragedy to her by phone.

Miss Foote was one of three girls adopted by his parents Owen and Audrey in the 1990s when she was nine.

She had begun to develop a relationship with her biological family, but just five weeks after her funeral, her mother died.

“Her family stated that she was in poor health however the shock of Jenny's death was too much to bear and she gave up on life,” said her foster brother.

“We are thankful for the love and memories we shared with Jenny and despite how difficult it is at times we try to hold on to those beautiful memories of her life and not think too much about the tragic way she was taken from us.”

He wants his sister to be remembered for how she lived, spreading warmth wherever she went with her ‘beautiful and infectious smile’.