Pensioner ‘should get medal for defending his home at age 78’
Mr Osborn-Brooks was released from police custody to glowing praise yesterday, Vincent, 37, was linked to a sick con trick which targeted another man in his 70s.
Police suspected him of a “distraction” raid in November in which a crying woman diverted the victim’s attention while two male accomplices ransacked his house.
The gang escaped with a jewellery box from the house in Farningham, Kent, nearly 20 miles from Mr Osborn-Brooks’ house in Hither Green, south-east London.
Detectives believe Vincent, a member of the travelling community, was working with a man called Billy Jeeves, who is still being sought.
They said the woman knocked on the victim’s door last November, claiming to have been assaulted and asking for refuge until a relative arrived.
She went into his house but left quickly after a white van pulled up outside and sounded its horn.
Despicable
The pensioner discovered afterwards that a jewellery box had vanished and police believe the van, a Ford Transit, had been stolen.
In response to a January appeal by Kent Police over that incident, a local campaigner tweeted: “That’s a despicable thing. It sent a neighbour into dementia and shortened her life. Find them soon. Take them off the streets.”
In 2013, Vincent was put on Kent Police’s “most wanted” list over another burglary, this time in Gravesend.
It was unclear last night whether he faced charges following either of the previous police appeals. But details emerged of a family of burglars, conmen and cowboy builders who fleeced elderly victims across south-east London and Kent.
Mr Osborn-Brooks was released from police custody yesterday after being questioned on suspicion of murdering the wanted man.
His £400,000 house was still being treated as a crime scene and he is understood to have enjoyed a tearful reunion with his wife Maureen, 76, at a secret location.
Former Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne called for him to be given a medal. He hailed the retired RAC manager a hero and insisted: “I would have done the same thing.”
In a string of tweets, he said: “Arrested? He should get a medal for defending his home at 78 years old against two men, one of whom was armed with a screwdriver. He is a hero.
“He was being threatened with a weapon and the second burglar was on his way upstairs where his wife was asleep. He acted in defence of his wife and his home. I would have done same thing.” Mr OsbornBrooks was asleep in bed with his wife when Vincent and another man broke into the house shortly before 1am on Wednesday.
Police say Vincent tried to keep his victim in the kitchen while his accomplice ran upstairs. But Mr Osborn-Brooks fought back, and during the struggle, the intruder suffered stab wounds and collapsed in the street after fleeing the house.
The second burglar fled leaving his accomplice to die on the street and police appealed for information about his whereabouts yesterday. Mr Osborn-Brooks was taken to a police station near his home and later released with instructions to return next month.
After hearing of the pensioner’s release, Mr Bannatyne tweeted: “I am very happy. I sincerely hope there are no charges levelled against him in relation to his brave defence of his home.”
Cllr Mark Ingleby, who represents the area on Lewisham Council, said Mr Osborn-Brooks had helped pay for security railings following complaints about anti-social behaviour four years ago. Theresa Webb, 43, a member of the neighbourhood watch committee, said: “We all support him. It’s a case of a person protecting their own property. He has done nothing wrong.”
Neighbour Nick Myatt said: “I hope the law sees sense and lets him off.”
Adam Lake, who also lives nearby, said Mr Osborn-Brooks was “just protecting himself”, adding: “He doesn’t deserve to be punished.”
NOT many people in this country would condemn Richard Osborn-Brooks, who disturbed criminals in his house in the middle of the night, an act which resulted in the death of Henry Vincent.
Rather, most would agree with the sentiment that he deserves a medal. He was defending his wife, who suffers from dementia, and his home. If Vincent had not targeted someone he clearly believed to be a vulnerable old man, he would still be alive today.
Due process must be gone through of course but in the coming weeks let us hope the authorities bear in mind Mr Osborn-Brooks’ age and the circumstances of the case. Above all, make sure they treat him with respect.