An 81-year-old man with terminal cancer attempted to rob a 95-year-old woman in an unusual effort to finance his own funeral. Edwin Morrison, a retired pharmacy courier, choked the woman and demanded money while restraining her with cable ties in her residence in Little Hulton, Salford, Greater Manchester, on January 27.
The victim recounted feeling suffocated and begged Morrison to release her, but he disregarded her pleas, as revealed in Manchester Crown Court. The robbery was foiled by the unexpected arrival of the woman’s mobile hairdresser.
Reportedly, Morrison singled out the victim while delivering medication during his previous employment. Following the incident, he was apprehended at his residence in Worsley after authorities traced his vehicle. Prior to the assault, Morrison contemplated suicide but hesitated due to concerns about burdening his family with funeral expenses.
Since being detained, Morrison engaged in a hunger strike, which he has now terminated, and is refusing treatment for a heart condition. Prosecutor Rob Smith disclosed that Morrison initiated a GoFundMe campaign in January, citing his cancer diagnosis and the need for funeral funds. On the day of the incident, Morrison was observed outside a property in Little Hulton, claiming he was “catching his breath,” although prosecutors alleged he was scouting another location.
Approximately ten minutes later, Morrison parked near the victim’s residence and was captured on CCTV approaching the house at 11 a.m. After entering under the guise of discussing waste collection, he suddenly assaulted the woman by grabbing her neck and demanding money before binding her hands with cable ties.
The victim expressed profound trauma, detailing her distress and fear following the attack. Morrison, residing in Manchester Road, Worsley, admitted to attempted robbery during the court proceedings. His defense attorney, Nick Clarke, portrayed Morrison as a previously caring individual who faced personal challenges, including a rift with his partner and declining health.
Clarke highlighted Morrison’s gambling habit as a form of entertainment rather than debt repayment. Morrison’s retirement at 75 marked a decline in his overall well-being, culminating in a terminal cancer diagnosis and heart condition. Clarke emphasized Morrison’s mental health struggles and the complex circumstances that led to the attempted robbery.
Sentencing was postponed to April 15 by Judge Peter Horgan to allow for a comprehensive pre-sentence evaluation and additional medical assessments.