Two career criminals have been handed lengthy prison sentences after a violent and botched robbery attempt led to the death of an 83-year-old pensioner in Birmingham.
A Day Turned Tragic
Neil O’Donnell, aged 83, was visiting his partner at a rehabilitation centre on Shaftmoor Lane in Hall Green on 14 May last year. As he sat in his car, Tony Griffin, 54, ran up and attempted to snatch his watch, armed with a screwdriver.
Mr O’Donnell bravely fought off his attacker, and staff from the centre managed to chase Griffin away. The pensioner was rushed to hospital with an arm injury but was later discharged after treatment.
Tragically, his health deteriorated after he returned home. He later died from complications arising from an infection that was directly caused by the injury sustained during the struggle.
The Police Investigation and Court Case
Detectives from West Midlands Police quickly established that Griffin had not acted alone. His accomplice, 46-year-old Wesley McDonnell, had been spotted on CCTV at a nearby Co-op store at the same time as the victim, about 30 minutes before the attack.
The footage showed McDonnell looking at Mr O’Donnell's watch. He then picked up Griffin, and the pair were seen following the pensioner's vehicle on the short journey to the rehabilitation centre. After the failed robbery, Griffin was captured on camera dumping his top and cap in a wheelie bin as he fled on foot.
Both men, of College Road, Birmingham, were subsequently arrested. Following a trial at Warwick Crown Court last year, they were both found guilty of manslaughter. Griffin had admitted attempted robbery at an earlier hearing, while McDonnell was found guilty of the same offence.
Lengthy Sentences for 'Career Criminals'
This week, the pair were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. They were ordered to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence before they can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
The court heard details of their extensive criminal histories. Tony Griffin has 14 previous convictions for 32 offences, including burglary, robbery and kidnapping. Wesley McDonnell has 29 convictions for 85 offences, including burglary, wounding with intent and robbery.
Detective Inspector Nigel Box, of West Midlands Police, said: “This was a violent attack on an elderly man who was simply going about his day. You can see from the footage that the struggle lasted some time, and Griffin was clearly determined to take the watch, despite Neil resisting.”
He added: “They are both career criminals and wrongly assumed Neil would be an easy target. Neil’s death has been devastating for his family, who have asked for privacy while they continue to grieve.”
