An elderly man facing financial difficulties was sentenced to seven years in prison after robbing a 95-year-old woman in her home to help cover his funeral expenses.

Edwin Morrison, an 81-year-old retired pharmacy courier, tricked his way into the woman’s house by pretending to discuss a bin collection date. Once inside, he attacked her, demanding money and her purse while strangling her.

Despite restraining the woman with zip-ties and threatening her, Morrison left empty-handed when the woman’s hairdresser unexpectedly arrived at the scene. The court revealed that Morrison’s initial plan was to use the stolen money for his funeral costs, but he later intended to buy his partner a new kitchen before taking his own life.

In a desperate attempt to raise funds, Morrison set up a failed GoFundMe page on New Year’s Day under the title “Help to bury me,” citing his health issues and financial struggles. Diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in May 2024, Morrison, who had no criminal record, resorted to gambling before the incident on January 27, 2026.

A psychiatric evaluation indicated Morrison was suffering from depression towards the end of 2025, leading him to contemplate suicide while his partner was away. Morrison, described as previously selfless, showed selfish behavior in the robbery. He expressed remorse for his actions, claiming his motives were altruistic rather than malicious.

The victim expressed the horror of the attack, fearing for her life until her hairdresser intervened. Morrison attempted to threaten the hairdresser before fleeing the scene. Police apprehended him at his residence later, and he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in March, with other charges set aside.

Detective Inspector Paul Davies of GMP’s Salford district commended the victim’s resilience and the hairdresser’s swift action in preventing further harm. The investigative team’s efforts led to Morrison’s imprisonment, ensuring justice for the victim.