Erdington victim of violent robbery couple still traumatised three years on
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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.
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Hide AdThey 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.
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.
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Hide AdHe 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.
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Hide AdCartwright 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.
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Hide AdA 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.”
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