Two Men Sentenced to 15 Years for Manslaughter of Pensioner in Birmingham Watch Robbery

BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands — Two men have been jailed for 15 years each at Warwick Crown Court following the manslaughter of 83-year-old Neil O'Donnell during a botched street robbery in the Hall Green district of Birmingham, England.

The tragic chain of events began on May 14, 2025, when Mr. O'Donnell arrived at a rehabilitation centre on Shaftmoor Lane to visit his partner. Unbeknownst to him, he had been scouted by 46-year-old Wesley McDonnell, who spotted his high-value wristwatch and alerted his accomplice, 54-year-old Tony Griffin. Armed with a screwdriver, Griffin confronted the elderly victim, demanding he hand over the watch.

A struggle ensued as the courageous pensioner fought back against his assailant, eventually being assisted by alert staff members who chased the attackers away. While the robbery was unsuccessful, Mr. O'Donnell sustained a severe arm injury during the confrontation. Though initially treated and discharged from the hospital, the minor wound quickly became infected, causing a rapid deterioration in his health. Sadly, he passed away in hospital one week later due to complications from the infection.

West Midlands Police detectives utilized extensive CCTV analysis and advanced facial recognition technology to identify and track down the culprits, both residents of College Road in Birmingham. Following a trial, both Griffin and McDonnell were convicted of manslaughter and attempted robbery. The O'Donnell family welcomed the sentences, praising the police's dedication to securing justice for their father.