DRIVEN FROM HIS HOME
Husband, 78, who killed burglar ‘scared of reprisals & will sell’
THE pensioner who fatally stabbed a burglar in his kitchen says he is so scared for his safety he must sell up and move.
Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, and his disabled wife Maureen, 76, fear revenge attacks over the death of career crook Henry Vincent.
A friend said: “They could terrorise him. His wife is disabled. It’s not safe.”
BURGLARY victim Richard Osborn-Brooks is set to sell the home where he fatally stabbed Henry Vincent, a friend has claimed.
A source close to the family told the Mirror Richard and wife Maureen, 76, will never return for fear of reprisals.
He said: “They are waiting for the dust to settle before they announce that publicly and put their house on the market.”
Asked if this was due to fear of revenge attacks over the killing of the career criminal, the friend added: “It’s the fact that they could come back and that his wife’s disabled. “They could terrorise him. It’s not safe. “He’s got what happened that night on his conscience for the rest of his life now.
“He’s never going to forget that he’s killed someone. He’s not a violent person he’s a really nice run-of-the-mill guy.”
The couple have been under protection since Richard, 78, stabbed armed raider Vincent on April 4, after discovering two burglars in his home. He was initially arrested but will face no further action.
Yesterday, workmen believed to be from security firm National Monitoring were seen entering their boardedup 1920s semi, which is under police guard.
The firm specialises in security monitoring as well as remote video and fire detection. Floral tributes to criminal and fatherof-four Vincent left near the home, in Hither Green, South East London, have sparked clashes with outraged locals.
Supporters are due to gather today in a peaceful protest to show solidarity with Richard, a former RAC driver.
Organiser Char Marie, from Facebook group Community Support for the Residents of South Park Crescent, Hither Green, said: “Let’s really rally out to support our local community and support our elderly and vulnerable residents. And show if you want nice things you have got to go out and earn a crust like the rest of us.
“Put the money in the pot – in society’s pot – and you can’t just go breaking in to people’s homes in the middle of the night thinking you can take what you want.
“It isn’t on and we won’t tolerate it.”
Pictures posted on social media show banners saying: KILLED Vincent “Richard and Maureen Osborn-Brooks – You are not alone! Stick your flowers where the sun don’t SHRINE.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed the force would be on hand to manage the demonstration.
Officers have come under fire after they urged locals to “respect the wishes” of Vincent’s family, despite claims the tributes are in bad taste.
The spokesman added: “Police are aware of a demonstration arranged by local residents due to take place on Saturday, April 14, in and around South Park Crescent, Hither Green SE6. An appropriate policing plan is in place.”
Meanwhile, Vincent’s alleged accomplice is still on the run. Billy Jeeves, 28, reportedly dragged the wounded burglar toward a getaway van before leaving him for dead.
They will wait for the dust to settle, then put house up for sale FRIEND OF RICHARD ON PAIR’S PLAN TO MOVE