Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Men Jailed for 15 Years Over Botched Watch Robbery That Led to Pensioner’s Death

CCTV plus medical evidence convinced the court that an arm wound from the attempted robbery caused Neil O’Donnell’s death.

Overview

  • Tony Griffin, 54, and Wesley McDonnell, 46, were sentenced at Warwick Crown Court and must serve at least two-thirds before parole consideration.
  • The attack happened on May 14 outside a Shaftmoor Lane rehabilitation centre in Hall Green as Neil O’Donnell arrived to visit his partner with dementia.
  • McDonnell was seen on Co-op CCTV examining the watch, the pair followed O’Donnell, and Griffin—believed to have a screwdriver—grappled with him.
  • O’Donnell suffered a serious arm wound that became infected; he died a week later after initial hospital treatment and discharge.
  • Police identified the men through CCTV, facial recognition and witness evidence, and the judge noted their extensive criminal records at sentencing.