2012: MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING REDNAL PENSIONER TO DEATH
A BURGLAR who choked a disabled 83-year-old man to death in his Rednal home has been sentenced to life with a minimum jail term of 22 years today, (February 27).Cory Youlden, 23, of no fixed address, broke into Paul Cox's Waseley Road house on June 3 last year, grabbing the pensioner from behind and putting him in an armlock on his neck for fifteen to twenty seconds.
It was long enough to kill Mr Cox, who suffered from a serious heart condition.
Youlden then stole a money bag containing coins and car keys from his body, and took Mr Cox’s Ford Focus, which was parked on the driveway.
Afterward, he drove to his partner’s home, suggesting a trip to the seaside with their young son.
Youlden had been staying at his partner's after being released from prison on licence for a previous offence.
They argued on June 2 due to alcohol consumption, and he left the house.
He later saw Mr Cox's car and house and broke in, smashing a window intending to take the keys.
Inside, he drank wine and smoked, believing the householders were upstairs.
Mr Cox, who only had sight in one eye and was hard of hearing, slept downstairs, in a chair, with a hammer beside him.
Youlden confronted Mr Cox, who had swollen legs and was unsteady.
He assaulted him, strangling him to death; bruises on the neck indicated pressure on his neck caused his death.
Youlden then returned to his partner’s house, acting 'hyper' and claiming he had obtained the car legally, though his partner was suspicious.
He advised her to get rid of the vehicle, which he sold to two men, and it was later found burnt in Erdington.
Youlden was arrested on June 5 at Bristol Parkway Station.
Judge Robert Juckes stated that Youlden's attack was carried out with a 'degree of savagery,' despite not intending to kill.
He has 24 convictions for 53 previous offences, first imprisoned at age 14.
Youlden's defense argued he believed someone was confronting him, and Mr Cox may have offered little resistance.
The judge noted his 'wretched' upbringing and remorse.
He was sentenced to life with a 22-year minimum, with an additional five years concurrent for burglary and car theft.
