Brutal Strangling of Pensioner in Home Invasion Horror
David Varlow, 78, was found strangled with a telephone cable in his ransacked Halesowen home. Police were alerted after his brother and neighbours grew concerned over his disappearance.
DNA Evidence Nails Burglar-Turned-Killer
Adris Mohammed, 44, from Birmingham, was caught after his DNA was found on a knife handle, scissors, and the phone cable used to strangle Mr Varlow. The twisted burglar targeted the pensioner three times.
Multiple Crimes Lead to Guilty Verdicts
- Mohammed found guilty of murder, attempted burglary, aggravated burglary, and fraud at Birmingham Crown Court.
- Convicted for another burglary committed on November 11.
- Mohammed’s accomplice, 42-year-old Swan from Winson Green Road, convicted of burglary and fraud, sentenced to six years.
Investigation Reveals Callous Crime
“Mr Varlow suffered an appalling ordeal, being tied up and essentially left for dead by a man whose only interest was to steal from him,” said Detective Inspector Ranj Sangha, who led the probe.
Officials believe Mohammed returned for a third raid, knowing the victim was unconscious or dead, yet continued stealing with Swan’s help.
“These violent burglaries are thankfully rare, but that’s little comfort to Mr Varlow’s family,” added Det Insp Sangha. “I hope today’s verdicts bring them some solace knowing justice was served.”
