Carer Jailed for Brutal Murder of 77-Year-Old Pensioner
Michael Robinson has been locked up for a minimum of 30 years after the savage killing of 77-year-old Carol Hart in Northam. The verdict came down at Exeter Crown Court following a harrowing trial.
Gruesome Attack After Theft Discovery
Robinson, 35, was found guilty of violently attacking Mrs Hart in her own home in January. The pensioner suffered 59 injuries, mostly to her head and face, after being beaten and strangled in bed. The court heard this nightmare unfolded just days after Mrs Hart uncovered that Robinson was stealing thousands of pounds from her bank account using her card.
Despite being suspended from his job and ordered to stay away, Robinson ignored the warnings and returned to her home in J.H. Taylor Drive. Mrs Hart was discovered dead by another carer the morning after the attack.
Trusted Carer Turned Killer
- Robinson worked for local firm Complete Quality Care, caring for Mrs Hart thrice daily since October 2020.
- He helped with chores and walking her two greyhounds but was not authorised to handle her finances.
- Mrs Hart found £4,000 missing from her account between November and December 2020 and confronted Robinson.
- Robinson denied wrongdoing, blaming withdrawals on payments for gardening and a car.
She trusted him like a grandson and planned to make him her full-time carer. Instead, he abused that trust in the worst possible way.
Damning Evidence and Heartbreaking Aftermath
Police found Robinson’s bloodied work boot with Mrs Hart’s DNA in rubbish linked to his home. He was arrested and charged with murder and theft in January.
“Because this man murdered her, she will never now be able to meet her four real grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said Mrs Hart’s family. “We now must live with the memory of the violence he unleashed because he got caught stealing.”
Detective Inspector Steph Blundell praised the police and CPS for their work and condemned Robinson’s betrayal. “He abused his position of trust and silenced Carol in the most vicious way,” she said. “This outcome hopefully brings some comfort to the family.”
