A man has been convicted of killing his grandfather following a violent attack that left the pensioner with fatal brain injuries.
From the Crown Prosecution Service:
Jakob Walpole, 33, was found guilty of the manslaughter of 84-year-old John Brown at Birmingham Crown Court today (30 July 2025) after a trial lasting three weeks. He was also convicted of breaching a restraining order and assaulting two other elderly victims.
Mr Brown, a renowned Jaguar expert, died five days after sustaining significant facial injuries and bleeding on the brain during the attack at his home.
The court heard that on 23 November 2024, Walpole had spent the day drinking before heading to his grandparents’ house where he carried out the brutal attack.
Concerns about his deteriorating behaviour had led to a security camera being installed at his grandparents’ home address. He was also already subject to a restraining order when he carried out the attack on his grandfather.
Walpole had previously made threats to kill Mr Brown. On 12 November, Walpole arrived at his grandparents’ home in a drunken state, banged on windows and issued threats to kill his grandfather.
Mr Brown was physically frail and vulnerable and had been diagnosed with dementia, yet he and his wife had repeatedly tried to help Walpole despite his threatening behaviour.
Natalie Kelly, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Jakob Walpole carried out a senseless and brutal attack on his own grandfather who had tried to help him.
“He showed no concern or remorse following the attack. Rather than call for help, he callously left his vulnerable and elderly grandfather severely injured and went to a local pub where he assaulted two further elderly victims.
“Everyone who knew Mr Brown saw how much he did for his grandson, often going out of his way to care and support him – but Walpole simply took advantage of his kindness.
“We were able to prove this case using comprehensive evidence including CCTV footage, mobile phone evidence and messages which clearly demonstrated Walpole’s violent intentions and actions.
“While this conviction ensures Walpole is held accountable for his actions, the family have been left with a deep and lasting pain that no justice can erase.”
From Warwickshire Police:
A 33-year-old Bulkington man has been convicted of manslaughter after he fatally attacked his grandfather in November last year.
Following the attack, 81-year-old John Brown’s loved ones paid tribute to a world-renowned Jaguar restorer, a pillar of the community and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
During the trial the court heard how, on the morning of Saturday 23 November 2024, Jakob Walpole bought a bottle of vodka before 9am, spending the day drinking, going to the football, and visiting a number of pubs within the Bulkington area.
That evening, he arrived at his grandparents’ home to demand more money. During that visit Walpole launched an attack on his then 81-year-old grandfather, striking him to the head and causing a substantial bleed to the brain.
John Brown sadly passed away in hospital on Friday, 29 November.
After assaulting his grandfather, Walpole headed to a nearby working men’s club and started behaving aggressively and bragging about what he had done.
When customers asked him to calm down, he went on to attack one of them, slamming his pint glass into the man’s head and then assaulting a member of staff who escorted him out.
Shortly after officers located Walpole and were able to arrest him for the attack on his grandfather and the assaults at the working men’s club.
He was initially charged with Grievous Bodily Harm (with intent), assault (ABH) and breaching a restraining order.
After Mr Brown passed away, officers launched a murder investigation, leading to the GBH charge being changed to murder.
And today, July 30, at Warwick Crown Court, a jury found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
He was also convicted breaching a restraining order and, for the attacks in the working men’s club, of ABH and common assault.
He is set to be sentenced on Monday, 4 August.
Detective Inspector Gareth Unett, who led the investigation, said: “John Brown was a kind, gentle, hardworking man whose loss has left a huge void in the lives of his loved ones and friends.
“Not only was he loved greatly by all those around him, he was known internationally as one of the best restorers of classic Jaguars.
“The legacy he leaves is not only in the love and generosity he showed to those around him, but also in the countless classic cars that will survive for generations more thanks to his work.
“Walpole’s attack on his grandfather, who had shown him nothing but kindness and generosity, was an act of cowardice and brutality that, in decades of policing, I struggle to find a comparison for.
“His later attack in the working men’s club only serves as further confirmation that Walpole is a danger to decent, peaceful, law-abiding people.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Brown’s family, in what is a terribly sad case. They have shown dignity and respect in the most challenging of circumstances.
“My thanks also go to the many officers and staff from Warwickshire Police involved in piecing together all of the information so that Walpole could be held accountable for his actions.”
