Alexandru Muresan (credit: Havering Police)
On Tuesday, 10 September, Alexandru Muresan, 22, 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.
The elderly victim was approached in Barking Town Centre on 8 November 2022 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 after the attack, 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.
Evidence was gathered by officers 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.
