A BURGLAR has been found guilty of murder after a pensioner was killed in High Wycombe. 

Andrew Francis was on trial for eight days at Reading Crown Court over the murder of John Brackin who was found unconscious in his Cedar Terrace home on November 19 last year. He sadly died a week later in hospital.

Forty-six-year-old Francis admitted to breaking into his house by smashing the back glass door with a brick but denied hurting the 91-year-old.

He pleaded guilty to the assault of a police officer but denied murdering John.

On Friday, July 21, Francis of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, was found guilty of murder.

Shortly after 3pm on November 19 last year, John was in his property in Cedar Terrace when Andrew broke into his home.

An unknown amount of cash and jewellery was taken from the property.

John was seriously injured and taken to hospital, where he sadly died on November 26.

Francis was arrested on November 24 and he subsequently assaulted a police officer whilst in custody. He was charged on November 26, 2022.

Francis will be sentenced at a later date.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “I am glad that the jury have found Francis guilty of murder.

“This is a very sad case, where an elderly man was burgled and murdered in his own home, where he should have been safe.

“Francis stole items and jewellery from John’s home, many of which still haven’t been recovered.

“When Francis entered John’s home and realised that John was at home, Francis had a choice and decided to murder John rather than leave.

“Francis pulled out the phone cables in John’s house to prevent him being able to call for help.

“The death of John has left his family devastated, and I hope this verdict will help them in some way. Our thoughts remain with them."