(posted 7090 days ago)South London Press
Robber guilty of killing frail OAP
Nov 19 2004A SERIAL robber who preyed on frail and elderly pensioners faces years behind bars for battering an 82-year-old woman to death.
Elroy Simmonds, 26, barged into Hilda Ashdown's home, demanding cash, before punching her in the face and kicking her.
She died 10 days later in hospital from a brain haemorrhage.
Simmonds, of White Hart Street, Kennington, was this week found guilty of murder, five counts of robbery and one of assault with intent to rob between June 2002 and April 2003.
Simmonds targeted vulnerable pensioners across South London by posing as a council worker or asking for help, the court heard.
Mrs Ashdown, of Monclar Road, near Denmark Hill, died after becoming his sixth victim on March 15 last year.
He was later linked to the murder when cops found traces of her blood on a pair of Air Max trainers found at his home.
Nicholas Atkinson QC, prosecuting, said there were common features to many of the attacks. "The victims were elderly, mostly women, mostly living alone. They are a safe, easy target.
"No weapons were used. He is young and fit, he doesn't need a weapon. But he uses violence against the elderly."
Simmonds's first victim was Eric Kjaer, 77, who was sweeping his friend's driveway in Camberwell, in June 2002.
He and passers-by had struggled with Simmonds but the thug escaped by wriggling out of his jacket, socks and trainers.
Eight months later he resumed his attacks.
Victim Mary Hammond, 74, of Dorset Road, Clapham, told how Simmonds and an accomplice barged into her flat.
"He was saying 'I want twenties, I'm only here for the twenties'," she said.
"He pulled my panic alarm from around my neck and pushed me to the floor.
"While I was on the floor he kicked me in the stomach."
Mrs Ashdown had also tried to fight off Simmonds using her walking sticks but paid with her life.
An Old Bailey jury is still deliberating on six further robberies.