Shrewsbury teenager admits causing death of Robert Barlow
A Shrewsbury man today admitted causing the death of Robert Barlow a well known darts player in the town.
Jordan Aaron Lawson, 19, pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared at Stafford Crown Court.
Mr Barlow was returning home after visiting his local pub in Shrewsbury when he was rushed at from behind whilst walking down a dark alleyway. He was thrown forward into a wall and forced to the ground before his cash card was obtained. The incident triggered a heart attack from which the 64 year old Mr Barlow died.
Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy of West Mercia Police said:
“Lawson’s desperation for money was so great he ran straight to the cashpoint near the cinema and managed to withdraw £250 before running off again. While he was doing this Mr Barlow was left in a distressed state from which he did not recover.
“It is clear that Lawson’s actions resulted in Mr Barlow’s death. It was a premeditated attack as he was waiting for a suitable victim to pounce on. He urgently needed money for a pre-arranged night out and was obviously willing to use violent means to obtain it.
“The assault was cowardly, pre-planned and vicious in its execution.”
DI Bellamy said Mr Barlow was a family man with a wife and two daughters.
He praised family members for their assistance and also paid tribute to witnesses who came forward with important evidence.
“In particular, a young couple were sat in the car park near Cineworld when they saw Lawson run across the car park to the cashpoint and then run back in the same direction. They thought the behaviour odd and examined the cashpoint where they found traces of blood. Their immediate call to the police was vital to the investigation.
“I’d also like to thank the taxi driver who called the emergency services after finding Mr Barlow in the street.”
DI Bellamy said: “A loving family has lost a husband and father because of the greed of an individual who had no hesitation in using violence to rob others.
“Although incidents of violent crime are falling across West Mercia, this case illustrates yet again how they can have fatal consequences. It remains a priority for the police to bring those involved to justice.”
He added that Lawson had gone on the run but had been arrested within 24 hours. CCTV footage, finger prints, forensic analysis of blood stains and witness accounts had all helped prove his guilt.
