The career villain who picked on wrong OAP
Criminal killed in home raid was wanted by the cops
THE burglar allegedly stabbed to death by a pensioner was a career crook from a notorious crime family.
Henry Vincent, 37, was wanted by police when he broke into the home of 78-year-old Richard Osborn-Brooks.
Farmer Tony Martin, who shot dead a raider, backed Mr Osborn-Brooks. He told the Mirror: “He was in survival mode.”
COWARDLY Henry Vincent targeted vulnerable and frail pensioners to rob and fleece them of cash in a criminal career that dated back years.
And the junkie was on the run from police for a distraction burglary of jewellery in January when he was stabbed to death by Richard Osborn-Brooks, during a raid on the 78-year-old’s home.
As friends and neighbours launched an appeal to help pay Richard’s legal costs after his arrest on suspicion of murder, it was revealed Vincent had been in and out of prison and came from a notorious crime family.
The 37-year-old was jailed for six years in 2009 for charging an 80-year-old widower £72,000 to replace a single tile on his roof which should have cost £50.
His dad Henry was part of the sickening fraud and went on the run for two years before getting six years in 2011.
Some members of the wider family are understood to have plagued the South East London and Kent areas with their despicable crimes. Vincent Jnr’s two cousins William, 37, and 34-yearold Amos were jailed in 2007 for a string of distraction burglaries on elderly people.
The vile brothers targeted victims claiming they were from the gas or water board before tricking their way into homes. They even picked on a 90-year-old housebound woman. Other victims included an couple in their 80s, who were robbed of £90. William and Amos were later arrested. They admitted burglary and were jailed for four and three years respectively. But when the brothers were outed on a Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page, a man called Bill Vincent launched a sickening tirade against their victims. He posted: “The old b******s deserve everything they get.” In another, he wrote: “An oap a day will keep ur bank balance a bay… got to love the old c***s.”
Mr Osborn-Brooks, of Hither Green, South East London, was released on bail yesterday until May. He found Vincent, who was armed with a screwdriver, and an accomplice in his kitchen as his 76-year-old disabled wife Maureen was upstairs in the bedroom.
Mr Osborn-Brooks allegedly stabbed the raider, who then fled with his crime partner.
Vincent, believed to be the dad of three girls, was found collapsed 200 yards away after his pal allegedly left him to bleed to death.
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise cash for former RAC manager Richard’s legal fees. A petition was launched called Release Richard Osborn-Brooks without charge.
His cousin Zoe Brooks said the family had been shocked by the
Arrested? He should have been given a medal DUNCAN BANNATYNE ON RICHARD’S CHARGE
arrest of the “gentle, friendly man”. She added: “He has a lot of support. His release is great news.” Richard’s neighbour Theresa Webb said the whole community is behind him.
The 43-year-old consultant nutritional therapist said: “We all support him, absolutely.
“It’s a case of a person protecting their own property. He is defending his property. He has done nothing wrong.”
Dragons’ Den investor Duncan Bannatyne hailed Richard a “hero”. He tweeted: “I would have done the same thing.
“Arrested? He should get a medal. For defending his home at 78 years old against two men, one of whom was armed.” Police confirmed Vincent, of Orpington, Kent, was wanted in connection with January’s distraction burglary when jewellery and valuables were stolen from a man in his 70s.
The recently engaged crook’s family said they were “angry” Mr Osborn-Brooks had been given bail. An unidentified cousin told the BBC: “I don’t know what happened in that home. But all I do know is that my cousin is dead today. The Henry I know was such a loving person, and it’s probably something which just went wrong but he shouldn’t have died out of it.” Vincent’s uncle Stevie added: “We’re in mourning here. We don’t want to talk about what’s been said about Henry. We’ve already had the Old Bill round here. We’re not commenting.”
Family and friends also paid tribute to Vincent on social media.
One read: “He will never be forgotten.” His sister Rosina posted a broken heart emoji on her personal Facebook page.
Police were last night hunting the second intruder said to have been in Richard’s home.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “I would like to speak with anyone who has information regarding the outstanding suspect from the burglary, who is believed to be a white male; he may have told someone what happened at the address.
“It is possible that he fled the scene in a vehicle, possibly a white van.
“Did you see this vehicle? Do you know where it went after this? I ask anyone who can help to call our incident room as soon as possible.”
Officers were yesterday seen accessing a drain near Mr Osborn-Brooks’ home.
SUPPORTERS demanding a medal for the pensioner bailed by police after a burglar died shows the insecurity of householders who no longer feel safe in their homes.
With an appeal also raising cash for Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, the case has stirred debate about the law, and rights of people to defend themselves, their loved-ones and property.
Police inquiries are continuing and a man, wanted over another burglary, is now dead, yet it is clear where public sympathy lies.
Most people yearn to live quietly, and the majority neither seek, nor cause, trouble. The law must be on their side, the police and courts keeping them safe from armed intruders.
Richard Osborn-Brooks will undoubtedly be interviewed again and perhaps asked to identify the second intruder, should a thief who left his accomplice to die be arrested. The medal calls show whose side the nation is on.