Two career criminals have been found guilty of causing the death of an 83-year-old man during a violent attempt to steal his watch in a Birmingham suburb.
A Brutal Attack in Hall Green
Neil O'Donnell was attacked with a screwdriver shortly after arriving at a rehabilitation centre on Shaftmoor Lane in Hall Green earlier this year. The incident occurred on May 14 when Mr O'Donnell had travelled to visit his partner.
Career criminal Tony Griffin, 54, attempted to steal Mr O'Donnell's watch, but the 83-year-old bravely fought off his attacker. During the struggle, which lasted some time, Mr O'Donnell sustained an arm injury that later became infected.
The Investigation and Court Outcome
Police discovered Griffin had an accomplice, Wesley McDonnell, 46, who had been captured on CCTV looking at Mr O'Donnell's watch at a nearby Co-op store approximately thirty minutes before the attack. McDonnell then picked up Griffin and both men followed their victim to the rehabilitation centre.
After the violent ordeal, Griffin was seen discarding his top and cap in a wheelie bin as he fled the scene. Tragically, Mr O'Donnell died just one week later from the infected injury sustained during the attack.
At Warwick Crown Court on Friday, November 21, both Griffin and McDonnell, of College Road in Birmingham, were found guilty of manslaughter. Griffin had previously admitted attempted robbery, while McDonnell was found guilty of the same offence during the hearing.
History of Violent Crime
The court heard disturbing details about both defendants' extensive criminal histories:
- Tony Griffin had 14 previous convictions for 32 offences including burglary, robbery and kidnapping
- Wesley McDonnell had 29 convictions for 85 offences including burglary, wounding with intent and robbery
Both men are due to be sentenced in January following their convictions.
Detective Inspector Nigel Box commented after the trial: "This was a violent attack on an elderly man who was simply going about his day. 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."
