Two career criminals have been found guilty of manslaughter following a violent attack on an 83-year-old grandfather that led to his death. Tony Griffin, 54, and Wesley McDonnell, 46, were convicted after a trial at Warwick Crown Court for their roles in the attempted robbery of a watch from Neil O'Donnell in Birmingham.
A planned attack on a vulnerable pensioner
The court heard how the incident unfolded on 14 May in the Hall Green area of Birmingham. Neil O'Donnell, 83, was driving to a rehabilitation centre on Shatmoor Lane to visit his partner, who suffers from dementia. Unbeknownst to him, he had been targeted earlier that day.
CCTV evidence showed Wesley McDonnell observing Mr O'Donnell's watch in a Co-op shop approximately 30 minutes before the attack. Judge Kristina Montgomery KC stated that McDonnell had noticed the pensioner's age, physical appearance, and what appeared to be a valuable Rolex watch, forming a plan to rob him.
The violent struggle and fatal injury
Footage revealed Tony Griffin, armed with a screwdriver, following Mr O'Donnell's car and then approaching him. Griffin launched the attack, attempting to steal the watch from the grandfather's arm. Although Mr O'Donnell bravely managed to fend off his assailant, he sustained serious injuries in the struggle.
Judge Montgomery detailed that during the grapple, Griffin twisted the pensioner's right arm, causing a significant loss of skin. Tragically, an infection developed in the wound, which directly led to Mr O'Donnell's death just one week after the assault.
Court condemns 'joint enterprise' and lack of remorse
During the sentencing hearing, the judge rejected any notion that McDonnell played a minor role, describing it as a 'joint enterprise in the truest sense'. Both men, from College Road in Birmingham, have extensive criminal histories spanning decades, including previous convictions for robbery, burglary, and weapons offences.
The judge was scathing in her assessment of Griffin's conduct, noting he had 'never shown any true accountability or remorse' and had repeatedly lied during the investigation and trial. McDonnell expressed sorrow to the victim's family and regret over missing time with his own young grandchildren.
A family's profound grief
A heartfelt statement from Neil O'Donnell's daughter was read aloud in court. She described the 'immeasurable' impact of his death, stating he should still be alive with his infectious humour. She also revealed that her father's partner's dementia had 'escalated through grief' following the attack.
Detective Inspector Nigel Box of the West Midlands Police homicide team said: 'This was a violent attack on an elderly man who was simply going about his day. They are both career criminals and wrongly assumed Neil would be an easy target.' Griffin had previously admitted attempted robbery, while McDonnell was convicted of the same offence by the jury. Both now await sentencing for manslaughter.
