Cruel thugs have been jailed after beating an elderly woman during a violent home invasion. Richard Cartwright and Louise Murphy violently attacked the Erdington pensioner in 2019 for stealing sentimental jewelry and cash.
The 70-year-old victim continues to suffer from anxiety and trauma nearly three years later. Murphy, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven years for the incident.
While Cartwright, of Wood End Road, Erdington, will see double that time behind bars for a string of other offences.
Read more:Erdington drug addict impersonated police officer in robbery and burglary
The 38-year-old con man embarked on a mega crime spree between August and September last year, stealing thousands of pounds. He saw him regularly impersonate a policeman to gain the trust of locals, before ransacking their homes.
In a shocking incident, Cartwright beat up a man in his 60s after refusing to let him in. The thug grabbed the victim by the throat – but on this occasion he ran away empty-handed.
However, that didn’t stop the brazen criminal from getting away with thousands of pounds in further break-ins and robberies before he was finally caught. Another incident saw Cartwright target and rob a couple in their 60s.
He also pointed a fake firearm at a worker at a Springfield Road corner store. Cartwright stole money and cigarettes and again left the victim, a woman, traumatized.
(Picture: WMP)
Cops eventually identified Cartwright as the prime suspect and issued a public appeal to find him. The thug was already awaiting trial with Murphy after the pair were involved in Erdington’s villainous home invasion.
Murphy, 40, was found guilty of the 2019 incident at trial in Birmingham Crown Court and sentenced to seven years. Cartwright was found guilty of all of his offenses and jailed for 14 years at the same hearing.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Being a victim of crime is dreadful. Unfortunately there are criminals who will seek to trick you into the process.
“We have advice on how to avoid being the victim of an inadvertent burglary. If someone knocks on the door from people claiming to be from the police, the council, a utility company or any other organization, always ask to see identification.
“If anyone sees anything suspicious or has been visited by callers they believe to be inauthentic, they should contact us as they may have important information. In an emergency, please dial 999.”
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