Shrewsbury man sentenced for causing death of Robert Barlow
A Shrewsbury man was today sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of Robert Barlow following an attack and robbery in May last year.
Jordan Lawson, 20, of Stephenson Drive, Shrewsbury, was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Stafford Crown Court in September last year.
Following today’s sentencing, Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, the Senior Investigating Officer from West Mercia Police, said:
“Lawson targeted lone and vulnerable people under the cover of darkness to rob them of money or possessions. Prior to this case, he had carried out several other street robberies following a similar pattern.
“On this occasion, his terrifying actions in attacking Mr Barlow from behind in a darkened alley late at night, undoubtedly triggered the heart attack from which he died.
“He rushed at Mr Barlow, barging into him and throwing him forward into a wall. He forced him to the ground and made demands to obtain his cash card.
“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 and was returning home after visiting his local pub.
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.”
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.
