Edwin Morrison, 81, attempted to rob a 95-year-old woman in her home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in January. He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, with Manchester Crown Court hearing that he strangled the woman and shouted 'give me your money' before binding her hands with cable ties. The attempted robbery was interrupted by the arrival of the woman's mobile hairdresser, the court was told.
According to research, Edwin Morrison, 81, strangled and tied up 95-year-old Mary Morgan in a botched robbery. Research indicates Morrison posed as a council worker when he targeted Mary Morgan in her home in Little Hutton, Salford. The court heard that Morrison knocked on the victim's door, telling her he was there 'about the dustbins' and explaining future collections.
Research suggests Morrison remembered Mary Morgan used to tip him £2 when he dropped off medication in his previous job. Research also states Morrison told Mary Morgan to 'shut up' when she pleaded for air, and that Mary Morgan shouted at the hairdresser to call the police. The court was told the attempted robbery was interrupted by the arrival of the woman's mobile hairdresser.
Research describes Morrison holding his hands up as if to grab the hairdresser's throat before fleeing. According to the Manchester Evening News, Morrison targeted the victim while delivering medication in his former job. Research indicates Morrison remembered Mary Morgan used to tip him £2 when he dropped off medication in his previous job.
I thought I was going to die that day.
Major media reports from two sources state Morrison was arrested at his home in Worsley the day after the attack after police traced his car. Police officers say Edwin Morrison was arrested after an incident on Belcroft Drive, Little Hulton, on January 27, where an elderly woman was tied up and threatened. Major media reports from two sources indicate Morrison was arrested and charged after a police raid on Manchester Road, Walkden, a day after the attempted robbery in Little Hulton.
Major media reports from two sources state Morrison denied counts of strangulation, common assault, and two counts of false imprisonment against two different women. Major media reports from two sources indicate Morrison made his first appearance before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court later that same day. A spokesperson for the courts and tribunal service confirmed that he did not enter any pleas but that he had been further remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at the Crown Court.
The court heard that prior to the attack, Morrison had considered taking his own life but was concerned about being a 'burden' to his family and leaving funeral costs behind. The Mirror reports that since being remanded in custody, Morrison had been on a hunger strike, which has now ended. The Mirror also reports Morrison is refusing to take medication for a heart condition.
Prosecutor Rob Smith said in January, Morrison set up a GoFundMe page, saying he was raising money to pay for his funeral because he had cancer. According to research from a court hearing, Morrison's motivation for the attack was 'altruistic rather than malicious' as he was struggling to pay for his funeral after a failed crowdfunding attempt. Research states that in summer 2024, Morrison was diagnosed with incurable kidney cancer and told he had less than two years to live.
Mary Morgan thought 'it was the end' and was left 'gasping for breath' during the attack.
The court heard that Morrison had already paid for his funeral arrangements in August 2024, according to research. Defense lawyer Nicholas Clarke said it would be acceptable to sentence him based on his guilty plea to attempted robbery, but including strangulation in the facts. Nicholas Clarke told the court that Morrison had no previous convictions and that he would not be seeking a pre-sentence report.
According to research, defense lawyer Nick Clarke said it was an 'error' that Morrison did not intend to deceive the court about funeral arrangements. Research also indicates Nick Clarke insisted Morrison's actions were 'altruistic' and intended the money for his partner, not for himself or debts. According to research, prosecutors said Morrison was regularly gambling at his local bookmaker's in the months before the attack.
Research states Morrison did not visit the Betfred shop on the day of the attack. Prosecutors said Morrison was a 'gambler' but not 'looking to steal money to repay a debt', according to research. Major media reports from two sources state Judge Sarah Johnston agreed that Morrison will be brought back to court later to learn his sentence.
Major media reports from two sources indicate no application for bail was made, and Morrison was further remanded into custody ahead of a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, March 18. Prosecutors said on January 27, Morrison was seen outside a house in Little Hulton, telling a resident he was 'catching his breath', though they said he had been 'scoping out' another property. Legal uncertainties remain regarding what specific charges, if any, Morrison is still facing beyond the guilty plea to attempted robbery.
The exact timeline and details of Morrison's court appearances, including any discrepancies between magistrates' and crown court hearings, have not been fully clarified. The full impact on the victim's health and well-being, beyond the reported nightmares and feeling like a 'prisoner' in her home, is not detailed in available reports. It is unclear whether Morrison's hunger strike and refusal of medication have affected his health or legal proceedings.
The outcome of any psychiatric report requested by the defense and how it influenced the sentencing decision is also unknown.