An 81-year-old man with terminal cancer attempted to rob a 95-year-old woman in a strange effort to raise funds for his own funeral. The incident took place in the Little Hulton area of Salford, Greater Manchester on January 27. Edwin Morrison, a retired pharmacy courier, attacked the woman, demanding money and restraining her with cable ties in her residence.
The victim, in distress, was struggling for breath and implored Morrison to release her, but he disregarded her pleas. Fortunately, the attempted robbery was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of the woman’s mobile hairdresser. Morrison, who had previously delivered medication to the victim, was subsequently apprehended at his residence in Worsley after his car was tracked by the police.
According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, Morrison had contemplated suicide before the incident but was worried about being a burden on his family and leaving funeral expenses behind. Since being detained, Morrison engaged in a hunger strike, which he has now discontinued. He is also declining treatment for a heart condition.
Prosecutor Rob Smith revealed that Morrison had set up a GoFundMe page in January, seeking donations for his funeral due to his cancer diagnosis. On the day of the robbery attempt, he was observed near the victim’s residence, claiming he was catching his breath, though prosecutors suspected he was scouting another property.
Morrison was captured on CCTV approaching the victim’s home, pretending to be there for a discussion on waste disposal. However, he swiftly turned aggressive, assaulting the woman and demanding money before binding her hands. The traumatized victim expressed her fear and distress, stating that she no longer feels safe in her own home since the incident.
Having pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, Morrison’s defense attorney, Nick Clarke, highlighted Morrison’s previous life as a caring partner, stepfather, and worker, albeit with a gambling habit. Clarke explained Morrison’s struggles post-retirement, including health issues and the loss of his partner, leading to a downward spiral in his mental state.
The sentencing for Morrison has been postponed to April 15 for a pre-sentence report and additional medical evidence to be considered.
