Robbers jailed after sound evidence from blind victim

Detectives praised the bravery of a blind pensioner who recognised two thieves from the sound of their voices – and helped a force secure long prison terms against the pair.

Drug addicts Sarah Mulholland and James Conlon rushed into the 72-year-old’s flat in Handsworth, Birmingham on June 30 last year shouting “where’s the money?”

The woman was threatened and Conlon slapped her across the face before they fled with cash stolen from a handbag.

However, the victim recognised the tone of Mulholland’s voice as the 33-year-old was a past resident at the shared accommodation block.

She returned to the property on July 24 in a bid to again intimidate vulnerable residents for money to fund her heroin and crack cocaine habit – but West Midlands Police was alerted and officers arrested her on sight.

Her partner Conlon, 28, was spoken to about the incident in HMP Birmingham following his arrest for another robbery. Both denied the offence and even tried pinning the blame on a good Samaritan who heard the pensioner’s screams and ran to her aid.

Mulholland eventually admitted involvement but Conlon only entered a guilty plea on the first day of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court – a move met with disapproval by the judge as it forced the 72-year-old to attend court believing she would be giving evidence.

Colon was jailed for eight years while Mulholland was handed a four-year prison term after they admitted two counts of robbery.

The pair had carried out an earlier knifepoint robbery on March 31 in the Pump Tavern, Handsworth, where a woman’s purse was taken.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Laurence Green, said: “The level of threats and violence they used against this vulnerable lady was grotesque – she escaped with minor bruising but it could have been much worse.

“She is almost totally blind but immediately recognised Mulholland’s voice and reported the incident to West Midlands Police.

“She has been supportive throughout and I’d like to praise her commitment and courage as it has helped us get two nasty people off the streets.”