Ashley Malcolm jailed for 18 years over fatal attack on Hackney pensioner during burglary

Ashley Malcolm, 40, has been jailed for 18 years, with a further five years on extended licence, after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of John Burke, 86. Burke was attacked during a burglary at his Hackney home as he tried to protect his wife, Peggy; the case highlights the fatal consequences of a series of break-ins targeting homes where people were present.

Malcolm entered the couple’s home shortly before midnight on 29 September 2025 and returned later that night. The attack fractured Burke’s nose and caused bleeding on his brain, but he was discharged from hospital before the injury was identified; he died the next day. The court heard that Malcolm also burgled a care home and attempted to break into another occupied home that morning.