Body of Henry Vincent released to family after fatal stabbing in raid on pensioner's home in Hither Green
The body of a burglar stabbed to death by a pensioner in a raid on his home has been released to his family for burial, an inquest heard.
Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, fatally stabbed Henry Vincent who with an accomplice broke into the Hither Green house he shared with his disabled wife, Maureen, 76.
One of the burglars was said to be armed with a screwdriver and forced the elderly man into the kitchen in the early hours of last Tuesday morning.
Henry Vincent, who is linked to Swanley, Hextable and Orpington, fled the scene after being stabbed, but collapsed in the street just yards from the house in south east London.
The 37-year-old later died at University Hospital Lewisham after suffering a stab wound to his upper body.
Police on Friday said Mr Osborn-Brooks, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, will not face any charges.
At Southwark Coroners Court today an inquest into Vincent's death was opened by Assistant Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe.
The court heard Vincent was stabbed during the course of a burglary.
Detective Inspector Simon Harding of the Met Police homicide team said: “The facts are on April 4 two males including, Henry Vincent, entered the residential address at about 12.40am, whilst committing a burglary.
“During this burglary a male resident stabbed Henry Vincent which ultimately lead to his death.”
When asked by the corner if anyone was charged over the death, DI Harding replied, “no ma’am”.
A coroner’s officer said the identification of Vincent’s body was made by his sister after he died at University Hospital Lewisham.
Two relatives in court wept as the details were given to the coroner.
Addressing the family Coroner Ormond-Walshe added: “In this court we answer four questions.
“We are not making an indication about civil or criminal liability.
“I’m releasing the body.”
She also indicated there would be a pre-inquest review hearing at a later date.
Yesterday detectives released an image of the second suspect they want to trace in connection with the incident.
Billy Jeeves, 28, and Vincent were wanted by Kent Police for a series of burglaries in Farningham in January, in which a man in his 70s was targeted.
Police also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle used as a getaway from the scene, a white Vauxhall Astra van with registration GU52 AXT, in the days and hours before and after the burglary.
It is thought the van, which was found burnt out and destroyed on Saturday evening in Orpington was used in the burglary in Lewisham.
Last week Police boarded up the semi-detached home and installed CCTV as the couple are thought to not be returning for fear of reprisals.