Anger after pensioner arrested for protecting his home from burglar

Friends of a pensioner arrested on suspicion of stabbing a burglar to death have rallied in a show 0f support – insisting he was just protecting himself in his own home.

The man, named locally as Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, was asleep with his wife in his home in south-east London when two intruders broke in, waking him up. He was forced into his kitchen, before allegedly being threatened with a screwdriver.

Following a struggle, one of the burglars, aged 38, sustained a stab wound in the chest, Metropolitan Police have confirmed. While both intruders initially fled the scene, the injured man was later found and rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm at first, but it was later increased to suspected murder, and he’s been questioned by police ever since.

https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/981480421341978624

In a statement, police said: “At 00:45hrs on Wednesday, 4 April, police were called by a homeowner to reports of a burglary in progress at an address in South Park Crescent, Hither Green SE6, and a man injured.

“The 78-year-old resident found two males inside the address. A struggle ensued between one of the males and the homeowner. The man, aged 38, sustained a stab wound to the upper body.”

They added: “London Ambulance Service took the injured male, who was found collapsed in Further Green Road, SE8, to a central London hospital. He was pronounced dead at 03:37hrs.”

The homeowner suffered bruising to his arms, but his injuries are not considered life threatening. Meanwhile, the second intruder fled the scene – and police are appealing for further information.

Now, neighbours and friends have showed their support for Osborn-Brooks. Clem Williams, 58, a martial arts instructor who has lived on the same road as Osborn-Brooks for 20 years, told the Daily Mirror: “My personal opinion is why were the men at his house? The man has a right to defend his home. They should let him go.”

Meanwhile, one of Osborn-Brooks’ friends, Tony Guest, who worked with him in the 1970s, added: “I was shocked when someone told me it was Richard involved in this incident. He has every right to protect his property, he deserves a medal.”

It echoes the famous case of Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, who shot dead a teenage burglar in his home in August 1999. His conviction was later reduced to diminished responsibility manslaughter, but he served three years in jail at the time.

It sparked a huge debate at the time over laws surrounding a person’s right to defend themselves and their property. According to UK law, homeowners are permitted to defend themselves if a burglar breaks in – but only with “reasonable force” – which can vary depending on the circumstances.

Do you think a homeowner should be punished for defending themselves against an armed burglar?