Two career criminals have been found guilty of manslaughter after a violent attempted robbery on an 83-year-old grandfather, which led to his death just one week later.
A planned attack on a vulnerable target
The court heard how Wesley McDonnell, 46, first spotted Neil O'Donnell and his valuable-looking watch in a Co-op shop in the Hall Green area of Birmingham on 14 May. Prosecutors stated that McDonnell began forming a plan to steal the timepiece there and then.
Around half an hour later, Neil O'Donnell was driving to a rehabilitation centre on Sharmoor Lane to visit his partner, who suffers from dementia. Unbeknownst to him, he was being followed by McDonnell and 54-year-old Tony Griffin.
The violent struggle and fatal injury
CCTV footage played to the jury showed Tony Griffin, armed with a screwdriver, running towards Mr O'Donnell's car. A struggle ensued as Griffin attempted to rob the pensioner of his watch.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC told Warwick Crown Court that the grandfather, described as 'active and independent', shouted for Griffin to get off him and threw punches in self-defence. During the grapple, Griffin twisted the elderly man's right arm with such force it caused a significant loss of skin.
Although Mr O'Donnell managed to fend off his attacker, the wound later became infected. Tragically, the infection caused his death one week after the assault.
Joint enterprise and lack of remorse
At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, following a trial in November, the judge rejected any notion that McDonnell played a minor role. She stated this was 'a joint enterprise in the truest sense, each of you playing a pivotal role in its commission'.
The court was told both men have lengthy criminal histories spanning decades, including previous convictions for burglary, robbery, and weapons offences. Judge Montgomery said Griffin had 'never shown any true accountability or remorse' and had 'lied and lied' throughout the investigation and trial.
While McDonnell expressed sorrow to the victim's family and regret over missing time with his own young grandchildren, the judge's remarks highlighted the profound impact of the crime.
A family's immeasurable grief
A heartfelt statement from Neil O'Donnell's daughter was read aloud in court. She said the impact of his death was 'immeasurable' and that 'he should be here with his infectious humour and positive personality'.
She also revealed that her father's partner, whom he was visiting on the day of the attack, had seen her dementia 'escalate through grief' following the tragedy.
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.' He added that the perpetrators, both career criminals, 'wrongly assumed Neil would be an easy target'.
Tony Griffin had admitted attempted robbery prior to trial, while Wesley McDonnell was convicted of the same offence by the jury. Both men, from College Road in Birmingham, now await sentencing for manslaughter.
