Ruthless robber jailed after vulnerable pensioner dies.

Alexandru Muresan was part of team who distracted the 94 year old man by hugging him in order to steal his wallet.  

A robber has been jailed for manslaughter after a vulnerable distraction robbery victim died in hospital.

On Tuesday, 10 September Alexandru Muresan, 22, of Stevens Road, Dagenham appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court where he was sentenced to seven years and four months imprisonment for the manslaughter of a 94-year-old man from Barking. 

Muresan had previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter.

On 8 November 2022,   the 94-year-old victim was approached in Barking Town Centre by suspects who distracted him by hugging him in order to steal his wallet.

The suspects then used his bank cards nearby.

The victim was taken to hospital following the incident, but sadly died 36 hours later. 

East Area’s Burglary and Robbery team (BRIT) led the investigation, meticulously scouring CCTV that later led to Muresan being identified.

He was arrested in north Yorkshire on 18 November 2022 and was charged with robbery and fraud.

Officers continued to gather a wealth of evidence that resulted in Muresan being charged with and pleading guilty to, manslaughter.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Osborne of the Met’s East Area Command said: “Muresan targeted the victim because he was elderly and vulnerable – a decision that ended his life and placed Muresan behind bars. 

“The victim had lived in Barking for more than 30 years. His family is understandably devastated by the loss of a man they describe as warm and friendly to everyone.”

+ Enquiries continue to identify Muresan’s associates. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 5954/8Nov22.

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