Man Jailed for Robbery and Assault on Victim in his 70s in Southampton

Darren John Morris, a 50 year old resident of Legion Close in Poole, has been sentenced to eight years in prison, with a minimum term of four and a half years, following a disturbing incident involving the robbery of a man in his 70s in the Bitterne area of Southampton.

The incident took place on 16 May, 2021, when Morris entered the man’s home at approximately 10pm. He initially fabricated a story, claiming that his son had passed away and he needed money to attend the funeral. When the victim refused to provide financial assistance, Morris resorted to violence, repeatedly assaulting the man by punching him in the face. Fearing further harm, the victim eventually handed over £60 to Morris.

The victim sustained facial injuries as a result of the attack and required hospital treatment for his injuries.

Following the initial incident, Morris was arrested on suspicion of robbery but was released on conditional police bail as further investigations were conducted. However, the story did not end there. In July 2023, police in Bournemouth visited Morris’s residence to speak to him regarding an alleged breach of his electronic tag. During this encounter, Morris became confrontational and, shockingly, stabbed one of the officers in the hand, causing minor injuries.

Subsequently, Morris was remanded into custody and pleaded guilty to both the robbery and the assault on the officer in August.

In sentencing, the judge strongly condemned Morris’s actions, characterising them as a series of unpleasant and serious offences. The judge noted the violent and reckless nature of Morris’s behaviour, expressing little surprise that injuries were sustained as a result.

Police Staff Investigator Hannah Daish, who led the investigation, described Morris’s use of a false story to extort money from his victim as “particularly abhorrent.” She emphasised that everyone should feel safe in their own home and expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, stating, “We are pleased with this sentence today, and that Morris is now in prison where he can’t harm anybody else.”

The judge also acknowledged the danger Morris posed to the public, affirming the necessity of his custodial sentence. It is hoped that this verdict will allow the victim to move forward after enduring a frightening ordeal.

This case serves as a reminder that acts of violence and deception have no place in society, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.