Carer Jailed for Brutal Murder of 77-Year-Old Client
Michael Robinson has been sentenced to life, with a minimum of 30 years behind bars for the savage killing of 77-year-old Carol Hart in January. The chilling case unfolded at Exeter Crown Court, where the details of the horrendous attack shocked all.
Terrifying Attack After Theft Discovery
Mrs Hart was found dead in her Northam home, battered and strangled in a sustained assault. She suffered 59 injuries, mostly to her head and face. The killing came just days after Mrs Hart discovered Robinson had been stealing thousands from her bank account via cashpoints.
- Robinson, 35, had been suspended after the theft was uncovered but ignored a strict order not to visit Mrs Hart’s home.
- The attack happened on the night of Sunday 10 January or early morning on 11 January.
- Mrs Hart, who had limited mobility, relied on full-time care and trusted Robinson completely.
Trusted Carer Turned Cold-Blooded Killer
Robinson worked for Complete Quality Care in Bideford and became Mrs Hart’s sole carer in October 2020. He visited her thrice daily, helping with chores and walking her dogs. However, he was not authorised to handle her finances.
When Mrs Hart found thousands missing on New Year’s Eve 2020, she confronted Robinson. He claimed ignorance of company rules requiring receipts for purchases he made with her card—a rule he’d signed up to.
Mrs Hart, who saw Robinson like a grandson, was heartbroken by the betrayal. She had even planned to hire him as her full-time private carer and let him live with her.
Menacing Final Hours
- Despite his suspension and instructions to stay away, Robinson showed up at Mrs Hart’s home on 8 January, claiming money was hidden upstairs. None was found.
- Mrs Hart was last seen alive on the evening of 10 January.
- Neighbours heard loud stomping noises early on 11 January, the same morning Mrs Hart’s emergency alarm lost power.
- Robinson was spotted casually disposing of bin bags near his home shortly after.
Mrs Hart’s body was discovered at 11am by a carer. CPR attempts failed, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Later, Robinson’s bloody work boot, matching Mrs Hart’s DNA, was found in bins from his home.
Robinson’s Lies Exposed
Robinson pleaded not guilty to murder and theft but was convicted by a jury. Investigators revealed he was deep in debt with gambling and drug problems. He blamed Mrs Hart for leaving money in an envelope and insisted he wasn’t home when she died.
“We have sat through Robinson’s lies and listened as he claimed love for Carol, who viewed him like a grandson. Because of his brutal actions, she will never meet her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said Mrs Hart’s family. “No one deserves this. We must live with the memory of violence this man unleashed just because he got caught stealing from her. Carol was feisty and would have lived until 90 if not for him.”
Detective Inspector Steph Blundell praised the police and CPS for a thorough investigation and thanked the public for coming forward. She condemned Robinson’s betrayal of trust and hopes the sentence offers some comfort to Mrs Hart’s grieving family.
