Man, 81, jailed after attacking woman, 95, in her home in Worsley
A hairdresser intervened during attempted robbery at the victim’s home
An 81-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after attempting to rob a 95-year-old woman in her own home in Worsley.
Edwin Morrison, of Manchester Road, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on 15th April after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.
The court heard how he entered the woman’s home under false pretences before tying her up and grabbing her throat while demanding money.
What happened
At around 11am on Tuesday 27th January, Morrison knocked on the woman’s door and claimed he wanted to discuss a new bin collection date.
He then stepped inside without being invited.
Once inside, the woman sat in her armchair while Morrison sat on a footrest, removed his gloves and put his hand around her throat.
As he strangled her, he repeatedly demanded money and asked for her purse.
He then used cable ties to bind her hands before again grabbing her throat and continuing to demand money.
Hairdresser interrupted the attack
The woman’s hairdresser arrived during the attack and entered the home.
She found Morrison inside and the victim called out for her to contact police.
As the hairdresser shut an internal glass door, Morrison attempted to grab her before leaving the house.
He took the woman’s keys and locked the front door behind him.
The victim suffered bruising but did not sustain serious injuries.
Investigation and arrest
Officers launched an investigation immediately after being called.
Specialist teams carried out forensic work at the home and reviewed CCTV from the surrounding area.
Footage showed a man arriving at the address, along with a blue Peugeot seen arriving shortly before and leaving soon after.
Further checks confirmed the vehicle was linked to Morrison.
A warrant was executed just over a day later, where officers found clothing believed to have been worn during the offence along with cable ties.
Morrison was arrested and later charged.
Police statement
Detective Inspector Paul Davies, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “When this job first came in, we were all shocked by the very nature of it, and we immediately launched a full investigation into the circumstances.
“It was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and Morrison’s actions of targeting a woman in her own home were shocking. Her resilience and strength following this vile crime have been truly inspirational and I am glad that the investigative team have been able to get her the justice she deserves.
“I also want to commend the brave actions of her hairdresser who arrived as the crime was happening. She prevented Morrison from doing anything further, got him out of the living room, and called 999 straight away.
“This investigation has seen countless of hours of work, from initial response to CCTV checks to door-to-door enquiries – from the start, the entire team have done their utmost best which has seen Morrison put behind bars today.”