Richard Osborn-Brooks GoFundMe: £7,500 raised for pensioner who stabbed burglar to death in his home

Richard Osborn-Brooks has been released with no further action
Tom Powell9 April 2018

Almost £7,500 has been raised to help the pensioner who was arrested after stabbing to death a burglar in his home.

Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, killed career criminal Henry Vincent, 37, during an altercation at his house in Hither Green, south east London, last Wednesday.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder but police dropped the case with no further action on Friday.

Concerned neighbours initially set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise £3,000 towards Mr Osborn-Brooks’ legal fees.

Killed: Henry Vincent, 37, who died from a stab wound

But hundreds donated and within days they had more than doubled the target figure.

Gemma Sargeant, who set up the online appeal, wrote: “I don’t know Richard personally but he lives local to where I grew up and indeed where my parents still live.

“His story hit a nerve with me as I have been burgled myself (thankfully I was out) and in recent months I have known two families who have been targeted locally.”

Forensic officers at the scene after the pensioner was arrested
PA

Mr Osborn-Brooks and his disabled wife Maureen, 77, are said to be hiding out at a different house amid fears they could be targeted by friends of Vincent.

His accomplice on the night he died managed to escape and remains on the run.

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 and explained to them the reasons why no charges will be brought.

Detective chief inspector Simon Harding said: "This is a tragic case for all of those involved.

"As expected with any incident where someone has lost their life, my officers carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death.

"We have received and considered that advice, and, at present - on the evidence available - we will not seek a charging decision. Therefore, no further action will be taken against the man."

The arrest of the 78-year-old provoked outcry across the country and an online petition demanding his release was signed by thousands of people.

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