Craig Holden, a 43-year-old violent offender from Hall Green, Birmingham, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a brutal attack on a 72-year-old man and subsequent criminal acts. Holden, who described himself as a “risk to the public” and expressed a desire to return to prison, was convicted of robbery, wounding with intent, possession of a bladed article, and burglary.
On June 20 last year, CCTV footage showed Holden ambushing the elderly victim on Russell Road, Edgbaston. Approaching from behind, Holden forcibly grabbed the man’s shoulder bag, causing both to fall. After standing, Holden pushed the victim into a garden wall and then produced a knife, lunging at him multiple times. The third stab caused significant injuries, although the victim managed to protect his abdomen with his bag and suffered a slash to his right arm.
Holden fled with the victim’s belongings, including a bank card, house keys, an iPhone, and £60. The victim, recently widowed and lifelong local resident, described feeling terrified and plans to leave Birmingham for good.
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Less than 24 hours later, Holden broke into the Birmingham Smile Clinic on Stratford Road, smashing a window with a shovel. He stole a laptop valued at £259 and £35 in cash. The clinic’s staff reported feeling unsafe after seeing Holden near the premises two days later.
When arrested, Holden admitted he intended to “rape and murder” the robbery victim but fled after failing to inflict greater harm. He also revealed struggles with his methadone prescription and a wish to return to prison.
Holden, who has 17 prior convictions for 30 offences including a four-year sentence for attempted robbery in 2021, was classified as a dangerous offender. At Birmingham Crown Court, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of approximately six and a half years.
His defense highlighted underlying mental health and cognitive issues, complicated by drug misuse, personal loss, and work accidents. Counsel emphasized that Holden requires substantial support and is making efforts to engage positively while in custody.