A Warwickshire man who killed his grandfather with dementia before bragging about the attack at a local pub has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, with Judge Kristina Montgomery KC describing the victim as “exceptionally small” and “vulnerable.”
Jakob Walpole, 33, of School Road, Bulkington, was found guilty of manslaughter after attacking 81-year-old John Brown at his home in St James Gardens on 23 November last year. The pensioner, an internationally recognised Jaguar restoration expert who founded the company Leaping Cats, died from brain injuries five days later.
The court heard that Walpole launched the fatal assault after spending what prosecutor Michael Duck KC called “a very significant day of drinking,” starting with a small bottle of vodka at 9am before attending a Coventry City football match.
Restraining Order Already in Place
Judge Montgomery told Warwick Crown Court on Monday that Walpole was already subject to a restraining order when he carried out the attack. The order had been imposed after previous threatening behaviour, including an incident just 11 days before the killing when Walpole arrived drunk at his grandparents’ home, banging on windows and threatening to kill Mr Brown.
“Your visits were made to exploit his love by taking money from both your grandparents to fund your lifestyle,” the judge said. “You were an intimidating and persistent nuisance in their lives.”
Security cameras installed at the property due to concerns about Walpole’s “deteriorating” behaviour since the coronavirus pandemic captured crucial evidence. The court heard Mr Brown stood up to his grandson when Walpole demanded money, before being struck on the head.
Bragged About Attack at Working Men’s Club
After leaving his grandfather with significant facial injuries and bleeding on the brain, Walpole went to Bulkington Working Men’s Club where he told drinkers he had given his grandfather “a good clouting” and warned that “the next time you see him he will have a red face.”
When customers asked him to calm down, Walpole smashed a pint glass over one man’s head in an incident caught on what prosecutors called the “clearest possible” CCTV footage. He then assaulted a bar worker whilst being physically removed from the premises.
Detective Inspector Gareth Unett of Warwickshire Police said: “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.
Mother’s Emotional Court Statement
Walpole repeatedly shouted “shut up” from the dock as his mother, Lynda Brown, read a victim impact statement to the court. Ms Brown said: “The tears we have shed could fill buckets and I live with the knowledge my son caused the death of my beloved father.”
She revealed the family continues to live in fear despite Walpole’s imprisonment. “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.”
The court heard that Mr Brown had been diagnosed with dementia and was physically frail, yet he and his wife had repeatedly tried to help their grandson despite his threatening behaviour.
International Reputation in Classic Car Industry
John Brown was known worldwide for his expertise in restoring vintage Jaguars, particularly the legendary XK series. His family described him as “a pillar of the community” whose “reputation in this industry was unmatched.”
“Not only was he loved greatly by all those around him, he was known internationally as one of the best restorers of classic Jaguars,” Detective Inspector Unett said. “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.”
The family’s tribute described Mr Brown as having a “heart as big as his talents,” noting his infectious sense of humour and zest for life. “He was always the life of the party, with a quick wit, a big smile, and a love for singing and dancing,” they said.
Three-Week Trial and Verdict
Following a three-week trial at Warwick Crown Court, jurors found Walpole guilty of manslaughter, breaching a restraining order, assault by beating, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was cleared of murder on 30 July 2025.
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.”
“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,” Kelly added.
The prosecutor noted that rather than calling for help after the attack, Walpole “callously left his vulnerable and elderly grandfather severely injured and went to a local pub where he assaulted two further elderly victims.”
Extended Licence Period
Judge Montgomery sentenced Walpole to 15 years in prison with an additional two years on extended licence, reflecting the serious nature of the offences and the danger he poses to the public.
The case has highlighted concerns about violence against vulnerable elderly people, particularly those with dementia. Mr Brown’s family and friends have shown what officials described as “dignity and respect in the most challenging of circumstances” throughout the legal proceedings.
The attack occurred at approximately 8:56pm on 23 November, with security cameras recording Walpole leaving the property. Emergency services were called, but Mr Brown succumbed to his injuries at hospital on 29 November 2024.
Warwickshire Police thanked the community for their cooperation during the investigation and urged anyone experiencing domestic violence or concerns about vulnerable relatives to contact authorities for support.
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