THIS is the chilling moment a killer attacks a pensioner with a screwdriver in a failed attempt to steal his watch.
Two men are facing jail after Neil O’Donnell, 83, tragically died just a week after the botched robbery in Hall Green, West Midlands.
Neil was visiting his partner at a rehabilitation centre when he was attacked in the car park by Tony Griffin, 54, on May 14.
The pensioner managed to fend off his attacker – who is believed to have been armed with a screwdriver – as he was targeted in his vehicle.
Griffin – who has 14 previous convictions for 32 offences including burglary, robbery and kidnapping – was then chased away by staff.
Neil had been shopping at a nearby Co-op around 30 minutes prior to the attack – where he was spotted by Griffin’s accomplice Wesley McDonnell.
CCTV footage showed McDonnell, 46, looking at Neil’s watch as he left the store.
He then picked up Griffin and the men were spotted tailing Neil’s car as it left the car park, following it all the way to the rehab centre.
Following the attack, Neil was treated in hospital for an arm injury caused by the scuffle and he was later discharged.
But the OAP’s health deteriorated and, a week later, he sadly died from complications arising from an infection caused by the injury.
After the broad daylight attack, Griffin was spotted on CCTV dumping his top and cap in a wheelie bin as he fled the scene.
While McDonnell was identified thanks to facial recognition from CCTV images, with further probes identifying Griffin as his accomplice.
West Midlands Police confirmed the pair were both found guilty of manslaughter after a trial at Warwick Crown Court today.
Griffin had admitted attempted robbery at an earlier hearing, and McDonnell was found guilty of the same offence.
Both are career criminals, with a total of 33 convictions between them.
Griffin has 14 previous convictions for 32 offences including burglary, robbery and kidnapping.
While McDonnell has 29 convictions for 85 offences, including burglary, wounding with intent and robbery.
Det Insp Nigel Box, from the force’s Homicide team, said Neil’s family had asked for privacy as they come to terms with his tragic death.
He added: “This was a violent attack on an elderly man who was simply going about his day.
“You can see from the footage that the struggle lasted some time, and Griffin was clearly determined to take the watch, despite Neil resisting.
“We were able to show that the injury to Neil’s arm directly led to his death.
“The CCTV showed Griffin and McDonnell as the two men involved.
“They are both career criminals and wrongly assumed Neil would be an easy target.
“Neil’s death has been devastating for his family, who have asked for privacy while they continue to grieve.
“We have supported them throughout the court process, and our thoughts are with them today.”
Both Griffin and McDonnell will be sentenced in January.
