An 81-year-old grandfather has tragically died after being attacked by his drunk grandson. Jakob Walpole, 33, was jailed today for 15 years after being convicted of the manslaughter of his relative John Brown – a “world-renowned” Jaguar restorer. Mr Brown died in hospital six days after the attack due to a bleed on the brain, which came after his grandson had been drinking all day.
The grandfather was seen begging for help in front of an outside security camera of his home, which is linked to his daughter, moments before Walpole assaulted him in his bungalow. Mr Brown’s wife, Dorothy, had a broken hip at the time of the attack, and was lying in the bedroom next door as her husband suffered the assault.
Following the attack on Mr Brown, Walpole went to a local working men’s club where the violence continued.
Less than an hour after attacking his grandfather, the 33-year-old was recorded smashing a glass over the head of Dennis Hopson.
Today (4 August), Walpole was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court for his attacks, with a further two years on extended licence.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC, who sentenced him, said: “(Mr Brown) was an exceptionally small man in deteriorating physical health who had been diagnosed with dementia.
“Your visits (to Mr Brown’s home) were made to exploit his love… by taking money from both your grandparents to fund your lifestyle. You were an intimidating and persistent nuisance in their lives.”
While Walpole was not charged for the murder of his grandfather, he was convicted of manslaughter following a four-week trial. He was also sentenced for attacking the barman Mr Hopson.
Walpole’s mother, Lynda Brown, read an impact statement to the court today while her son shouted “shut up” from the dock.
She said: “The tears we have shed could fill buckets and I live with the knowledge my son caused the death of my beloved father.
“Even though he’s been in prison, we are still in fear. Mum is terrified he will be back knocking at the door or her bedroom window.
“She lives in this fear constantly and we fear the day he’s released again.”
Walpole has a lengthy criminal history – between 2012 and 2023, Walpole was convicted of wounding, racially aggravated harassment, stalking and at least three other harassment convictions.
Some of the convictions related towards his family, with his own mother taking a restraining order against him.