In the clear, OAP held for killing of burglar
No charges for pensioner held for killing an armed raider in his kitchen
THE pensioner arrested for killing a serial burglar who broke into his home will not face charges over his death.
In what was hailed a ‘victory for common sense’, police said Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, would face no further action over the death of career criminal Henry Vincent.
The dramatic announcement came just two days after Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder following the break-in at his £ 500,000 home in Hither Green, south-east London.
The pensioner had apparently tried to defend his property and his disabled wife Maureen during the raid, getting into a struggle with the screwdriver-wielding Vincent in his kitchen.
While the burglar’s accomplice went upstairs to ransack the property, Vincent, 37, was apparently stabbed in the chest with what was thought to be his own weapon. He died at the scene.
After it was announced that Mr Osborn-Brooks had been arrested for murder, there was an immediate public outcry, with 12,500 people signing a petition calling for the retired RAC office manager to be cleared. More than £7,000 was raised through crowd-funding to pay his legal fees.
MPs, friends and neighbours all questioned why he had even been arrested. His wife Maureen had lain terrified during the burglary and unable to move due to arthritis.
But yesterday, just 24 hours after releasing Mr Osborn-Brooks on bail and less than 48 hours after the raid, Scotland Yard announced it was dropping the probe.
Last night specialist teams were called in by the police to secure Mr Osborn-Brooks’ home with metal shutters put over the front and back windows.
A cherry picker crane was used to attach a video camera to the top of a lamppost three doors down to monitor the street.
The decision to drop the probe was widely welcomed last night.
Bob Neill, the Commons justice committee chairman, said: ‘It is sensible and the right result, but actually not very surprising, as the law clearly permits the reasonable use of force in self defence (and in defence of others – such as such as his wife) in this sort of case.
‘The police had to investigate it but it’s to their credit that they did so quickly and reached the right decision. In that sense the system has worked.’
Cyril Goodearl, 78, who was the victim of a distraction burglary which has been linked to Vincent, said last night: ‘Common sense has prevailed.’ Mr Goodearl, from Farningham, Kent said: ‘It is totally the right decision. I am delighted. He clearly acted in self defence.’
The retired hydraulic engineer lost heirlooms in a burglary last November which police suspect was orchestrated by Vincent. He said he would like to ‘shake the hand’ of Mr Osborn-Brooks.
Scotland Yard’s decision to drop the investigation followed a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. The force said in a statement that it had informed Vincent’s family of the development.
Detective chief inspector Simon Harding said: ‘On the evidence available... no further action will be taken. There will be an inquest in due course.’
The force’s decision came just a day after Justice Secretary David Gauke released a statement saying: ‘ Our sympathies are with householders who have to defend themselves when intruders break in. That’s why we strengthened the law in 2013 to give householders greater protection from intruders.’
Last night one of the pensioner’s closest friends Dorothy Kirby, 87, said: ‘I am so relieved. It was ridiculous that he was arrested on suspicion of murder in the first place.
‘This burglar was armed and Richard was just trying to defend himself and his wife. This young man was asking for it.’
Tory MP Philip Davies said: ‘This is a victory for common sense. He should never have had this threat hanging over him.’
The decision comes just hours after Vincent’s criminal family sparked outrage after calling for Mr Osborn-Brooks to be put in jail, as relatives were said to be considering suing him for compensation.
The burglar’s uncle Steve, who is himself a convicted criminal, said the 78-year- old must face jail as he ‘ took a life’. His wife Gemma added: ‘Henry should be in prison. Not dead.’
When a cousin was asked if the family would sue, he said: ‘ My cousin is lying dead mate, what do you think?’ Yesterday, previous targets said the thief had ‘got his comeuppance’. A pensioner allegedly robbed by the drug addict – who spent 15 years preying on the vulnerable – told how her life and confidence had been shattered by Vincent.
June Stratton, 87, says she has been too frightened to leave her house alone since she was allegedly robbed of her savings in Gravesend, Kent, in 2013 by Vincent and an accomplice.
She said last night: ‘ He’s got his comeuppance. Not that you like to see anybody be killed, but he should not have done it in the first place.’
She said of Mr Osborn-Brooks: ‘I feel sorry for him. You have got to defend yourself.’
Neighbours rejoiced at the news that Mr Osborn-Brooks will face no charges.
Sylbourne Sydial, 49, is chairman of the local Neighbourhood Watch and said: ‘I think it is fantastic news. It means people will have full confidence in how the justice system works.’ Police are still looking for the second suspect in the burglary who fled the scene on Wednesday.
‘He’s got his comeuppance’