John Burke death- Ashley Malcolm admits manslaughter in Hackney

Ashley Malcolm, 39, of Reighton Road, was sentenced at the Old Bailey today (October 1), for the manslaughter of 86-year-old John Burke.

He will serve a further five years on licence and must complete two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.

Malcolm pleaded guilty to the offence on July 20.

A prolific burglar who headbutted and killed a frail pensioner as he tried to protect his 91-year-old wife has been jailed for 18 years (Image: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, who led the investigation, said: "John lost his life in truly tragic circumstances, facing a terrible attack in his own home following a burglary.

"My thoughts very much remain with John’s family and loved ones as they continue to grieve his loss.

"They thought the world of him and their time with him was cut short because of Malcom’s despicable actions."

Ashley Malcolm, 40, attacked 86-year-old John Burke (pictured) in the home he shared with his wife Peggy in Hackney, north London, early on September 29 2025. (Image: Metropolitan Police)

The court heard that Malcolm broke into Mr Burke’s home on Fountayne Road on the evening before September 29 last year, headbutted him in the face, and ransacked the bedroom.

Mr Burke, who suffered from dementia, was too frightened to leave the room and waited until his carers arrived the next morning.

He was taken to hospital and discharged later that day, but was found unresponsive at home the following day and later died.

His son Sean said: "My dad did not deserve to die in such a way, he had earned the right to pass away from natural causes in his own silent way.

Malcolm, of Hackney, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and a string of other offences, and was jailed for 18 years with a further five years on extended licence. (Image: Metropolitan Police)

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"Looking back now on the events of that night, it angers me to think what this man had put my dad through."

Malcolm was arrested days later on October 1 after being identified through CCTV.

He was charged with murder on October 27, but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his guilty plea to manslaughter.

He was also sentenced for other offences, including burglary, attempted burglary, and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.