An 81-year-old man with terminal cancer attempted to rob a 95-year-old woman in a bizarre effort to pay for his own funeral, a court has heard. Edwin Morrison, a retired pharmacy courier, throttled the victim and shouted 'give me your money' before binding her hands with cable ties at her home in Little Hulton, Salford, on 27 January.
The victim told Manchester Crown Court she struggled to breathe and pleaded with Morrison to let her go, but he told her to 'shut up'. The attempted robbery was interrupted by the 'fortuitous' arrival of the woman's mobile hairdresser, the court was told.
Morrison had targeted the victim while delivering medication in his former job, prosecutors said. He was arrested at his home in Worsley the following day after police traced his car. The court heard that prior to the attack, Morrison had considered taking his own life but was concerned about being a 'burden' to his family and leaving funeral costs behind.
In an impact statement, the victim said: 'I thought I was going to die that day. I have lived in my home since 1976. This has always been my safe place. Since the incident, I don’t feel like myself anymore. My health has deteriorated since the attack. I have nightmares and disrupted sleep.' She added that she now feels like a 'prisoner' in her own home and is too scared to go outside.
Morrison, of Manchester Road, Worsley, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. His defence barrister said Morrison had been a loving partner and stepfather but had a gambling habit. He said Morrison was not in debt but used gambling as 'entertainment'. Morrison has been on a hunger strike since being remanded in custody and is refusing medication for a heart condition.
