Overview
- The Old Bailey trial opened in July 2026 with prosecutors alleging that during a burglary on Sept 29, 2025 Ashley Malcolm headbutted 86-year-old John Burke, who died in hospital the next day.
- Prosecutors presented CCTV, police body-worn video, CT scans, forensic analysis and a post-mortem as the core evidence linking the defendant to the break-ins and Mr Burke’s injuries.
- Malcolm has pleaded guilty to multiple burglaries and admitted taking food and medication from Burke’s flat but denies murder and manslaughter.
- Medical witnesses told jurors that Mr Burke, who had dementia and other health problems, was initially discharged after a first hospital visit and was later found unconscious with a devastating, irreversible brain bleed, multiple bruising and a broken nose.
- Jurors will hear further witness and forensic testimony to decide causation and intent, and the outcome will shape how the courts treat violent attacks on vulnerable older people.