An elderly man, aged 86, passed away following an alleged assault during a robbery at his residence, which deeply impacted the local community who regarded him as a valued member. John Burke, who had been in poor health, lived in a ground floor flat with his wife when a suspected serial burglar, Ashley Malcolm, allegedly targeted their home. Malcolm is facing charges for the murder of the pensioner, who tragically succumbed to his injuries the day after the incident.
In addition to the attack on John’s home in Hackney, north east London, Malcolm is also accused of committing two other burglaries just hours before. The community expressed sorrow over the loss, emphasizing John’s regular presence and kindness. Described as a pleasant individual who interacted warmly with neighbors, John was seen as an integral part of the neighborhood.
John, who reportedly had a son who visited him frequently, became the subject of a murder investigation after further medical evidence was brought to the attention of the police. Malcolm, a resident of Reighton Road in Hackney, is scheduled to appear in court on November 11 to face the murder charge. Acting Det Chief Supt Brittany Clarke acknowledged the community’s distress over the incident and praised the swift action taken by officers during the investigation.
Apart from the murder charge, Malcolm has been accused of robbery, as well as two separate burglaries and an attempted break-in in Hackney in September. These incidents include an alleged burglary at Gransden Road, a burglary at Brooke Road, and an attempted burglary at Stamford Hill, all leading up to the tragic event involving John. The Met Police detailed that the Brooke Road burglary was reported the day after it occurred, while the attempted break-in at Stamford Hill prompted an immediate police response.
The details provided by the police shed light on the sequence of events surrounding the string of incidents allegedly involving Malcolm, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed.
