Firm’s apology to bereaved woman over debt of 5p

RICHARD BRANSON’S cable company has apologised after a grieving daughter was “hounded” for just five pence outstanding on her dead mother’s phone bill.

Joan Purnell, from Bristol, died aged 86 after battling cancer, after which her daughter began tidying up her finances.

Margaret Jewell, 59, immediately paid off the full £3.19 (€3.62) that was left on her mother’s Virgin Media account.