A prolific burglar has been jailed for 18 years for killing an 86-year-old pensioner during a break-in. Ashley Malcolm, 40, who admitted manslaughter, attacked John Burke at his flat in Hackney, north London, on 29 September last year.
Mr Burke suffered a "devastating and irreversible" brain injury after being headbutted, according to doctors. He died later the same day.
During sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Simon Mayo KC stated that Malcolm entered the home of two elderly and vulnerable occupants, and the burglary took place over a prolonged period. Mr Burke's grandson, Reece Lambert, told the court he believed his grandfather was attacked as he protected his 91-year-old wife.
Malcolm will also serve an additional five years on licence after his prison sentence. He admitted to two burglaries and attempted burglaries, and pleaded guilty to manslaughter after denying murder.