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Robber Gets Life for Pensioner Murder

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

PA News

Fri 19 Nov 2004
1:29pm (UK)

Robber Gets Life for Pensioner Murder

By Shenai Raif

A robber was jailed for life today for killing an 82-year-old woman who tried to fight back.

Elroy Simmonds, 26, punched and kicked housebound Hilda Ashdown after pushing his way into her home of 47 years.

She was treated for a broken nose but died 10 days later of brain damage, the Old Bailey was told.

Simmonds, a convicted robber and rapist, was told he was a danger to old people and was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years.

Judge Stephen Kramer told him: “In a campaign of robberies, you preyed on and targeted old people.

“It was only a matter of time before you killed one of your victims.

“I have come to the conclusion that you are a danger, particularly to the old and vulnerable.

“You did not use weapons – you did not need to. You are a fit young man. Your chosen victims were neither. You terrified them.”

Simmonds, of Kennington, south London, was convicted of murder.

He was jailed for a total of 12 years concurrently for nine robberies and two assaults with intent to rob during three months last year.

His 11 victims were aged between 73 and 95.

Simmonds knocked on doors in the morning, claiming to be from the council or to be looking for someone.

After pushing his way in, he would demand money and would steal the small amounts they had. Some of the offences were committed with another man.

Simmonds denied being responsible when he was arrested, but he was convicted after the brave victims relived their ordeals in court.

(posted 7069 days ago)

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