Two young thugs guilty of viciously beating and killing Birmingham pensioner

Two young thugs have been found guilty of murder, after they viciously assaulted and robbed a Birmingham pensioner at his home in Birmingham.

Robert Morrison tragically died after contracting pneumonia, six days after being robbed and assaulted by Ian Knowles and Ismaila Mohamed in December 2018.

The pair – both aged 20 – broke into the home of 69-year-old Morrison on Grove Road, Kings Heath on 10 December before violently and savagely beating him in order to steal his bank cards, mobile phone and jewellery.

Mr Morrison’s neighbour informed the emergency services of the robbery and he was taken to hospital the following day with significant bruising to his face and body, where he was found to have three fractured ribs.

Although he was then discharged later the same day, his neighbour alerted police once again after becoming concerned for the elderly man.

Police had to force their way into the house where Mr Morrison was found in immense pain, so was taken back to hospital where he sadly died just days later.

A forensic post-mortem revealed he died from pneumonia, which was contracted as a direct result of his fractured ribs – injuries sustained in the beating by Knowles and Mohamed.

Knowles was identified after police checks on the property saw Mr Morrison had suffered a history of issues with the defendant.

Officers from West Midlands Police attended his bail hostel and during a search of the property, Knowles returned and was arrested.

Footprints recovered from the crime scene and phone analysis from Knowles’ phone later led detectives to Mohamed, who had previously lived at the same hostel as Knowles.

A key fob to Mr Morrison’s property was recovered from Mohamed’s room, alongside three watches also belonging to the victim. Mr Morrison’s phone was also found in Knowles’ address.

Following a four week trial, Knowles, of Waterloo Road, Smethwick, and Mohamed, of Stirling Road, Edgbaston, have been found guilty of murder at Birmingham Crown Court. Knowles pleaded guilty to robbery at a previous hearing. They are due to be sentenced later this month on 22 January.

Detective Inspector Wes Martin from the force’s Homicide team said: “Mr Morrison was a frail man, who used a mobility scooter, and it would have been obvious to the pair that he was vulnerable and unable to defend himself, yet this callous pair continued to rob and assault him, resulting in his tragic death.”