Erdington victim of violent robbery couple still traumatised three years on

West Midlands Police urges people to be on their guard against crooks posing as officials
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

An evil couple who robbed an elderly woman during a violent raid on her home have been jailed for a total of 21 years.

Richard Cartwright, 38, and Louise Murphy, 40, battered the woman after barging into her home in Erdington.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They stole her jewellery and cash following the robbery in October 2019 but were arrested weeks later and bailed.

Following the sentence, West Midlands Police have revealed that the elderly victim is still suffering from trauma and anxiety - three years after the attack..

The force is also warning people to be on their guard against crooks posing as officials.

Richard CartwrightRichard Cartwright
Richard Cartwright

While on bail, Cartwright embarked on a month-long crimewave where he posed as a police officer to trick his way into people’s homes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He targeted elderly victims by telling them he needed to search their homes and when he was inside made off with cash and valuables.

He escaped with thousands of pounds after conning his way into the home of a couple in their 70s in Sutton Coldfield,, last August.

When another resident refused to let Cartwright in he forced his way through and punched the man in his face.

He then grabbed the victim, who was in his 60s, by the throat but fled empty-handed.

 Richard Cartwright also threatened a shop worker with a gun as he stole cash and cigarettes during his crimewave last August and September Richard Cartwright also threatened a shop worker with a gun as he stole cash and cigarettes during his crimewave last August and September
Richard Cartwright also threatened a shop worker with a gun as he stole cash and cigarettes during his crimewave last August and September
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cartwright also threatened a shop worker with an imitation gun as he stole cash and cigarettes.

Police launched a manhunt for Cartwright following the robberies and he was caught after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public.

Last Wednesday (May 4) Cartwright, of no fixed address, was found guilty of robberies and was jailed for 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court.

Murphy, also of no fixed address, was convicted of the 2019 robbery and was jailed for seven years.

Richard Cartwright’s accomplice - Louise MurphyRichard Cartwright’s accomplice - Louise Murphy
Richard Cartwright’s accomplice - Louise Murphy
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A police spokesperson said: “Being a victim of any crime is awful, and unfortunately there are criminals who will look to dupe you in the process.

“If anyone receives a knock on the door from people claiming to be from the police, council, a utility company or any other organisation always ask to see identification.

“If anyone sees anything suspicious, or has been visited by doorstep callers who they do not believe to be genuine, they should contact us as they may have important information. In an emergency please dial 999.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.

Related topics: