THE wife of a grandfather stabbed to death in Tenerife has been told the boys accused of his murder could be sentenced next month.

Patricia Cockshutt is hoping for some closure after her husband of 53 years, Peter, was stabbed three times in their holiday villa in Costa Del Silencio on February 6 last year.

It is thought Peter, 71, of Brandesburton, was the victim of a bungled burglary.

Two South American teenagers, aged 14 and 16, were charged with his murder and robbery just days afterwards.

They reportedly confessed to the killing.

The court hearing was expected to take place in May last year but the case was been delayed.

Mrs Cockshutt now plans to head to Tenerife on March 1.

She said: "I am going over there to speak to the prosecutors to find out what's happening. I also need to pick up more of Peter's belongings.

"I have been told the sentencing trial may take place at the end of March but who knows with the Spanish authorities."

The family has already told prosecutors in Spain they want to be there to see the teenagers punished.

But they has been warned that, if convicted, the teenagers will only spend a maximum of five years in a young offenders' institution.

Spanish law states youths cannot spend any longer locked up.

Mrs Cockshutt said: "We know the teenagers will only be locked up for a maximum of five years.

"They have been in custody for more than a year so that will also be taken into account.

"It has been a terrible year and we just want this out of the way.

"Some days I do feel angry, especially when the prosecutor has told us they may only get five years.

"I think it should be longer. It should be a life for a life.

"I am still constantly dealing with paperwork and we still have the property over there, which I don't know what to do with.

"The authorities in Spain have not kept us informed and the British Embassy can only do so much.

"The judge is hardly ever around because he has to deal with three islands.

"It has been a very difficult time."

Mr Cockshutt was killed when he seemingly disturbed burglars at his home, after returning from the shops.

His wife had returned to England just hours earlier to oversee repairs to their East Riding home.

The public prosecutor's office in Tenerife has refused to comment on when sentencing will take place.