Man could be left blind in one eye after Erdington robbery

Police have charged two people with robbery after a 51-year-old man suffered serious injuries to his eye following an attack in Dunvegan Road, Erdington.

The man was assaulted – and his credit cards were stolen and later used - at just after 1am on 3 June. He is undergoing tests on his right eye, which was damaged, and may result in permanent blindness. Following an investigation by the Birmingham Robbery Team, police arrested two people on Tuesday (13 June).

Robert Harvey, 37, of Erdington and Tanya Parkes, age 35, of no fixed address, have both been charged with robbery. Parkes was also charged with fraud.

Both appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court yesterday (14 June). Harvey was remanded in custody while Parkes was bailed for both to appear at Crown Court on 12 July.

These charges come after 17 arrests were made for robbery across the force since Tuesday. They include the following who remain in custody:

• A 17-year-old from Coventry who was also found in possession of a knife.

• A 12-year-old from Dudley who was also arrested for possession of cannabis.

• An 18-year-old from Dudley is also being questioned for assault.

• A 24-year-old from Birmingham and two men, aged 42 and 48, from Walsall.

A 35-year-old woman from Solihull, five boys, aged 12 – 15 from Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley, and two men, aged 40 and 48 from Wolverhampton, were bailed with strict conditions, while investigations continue. One 15-year-old boy was released without charge.