High Wycombe man sentenced after murdering pensioner
Andrew Francis, 46, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, a man has been sentenced for the murder of 91-year-old John Brackin in High Wycombe last November.
Andrew Francis, aged 46, of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, was found guilty of the murder of John Brackin at Reading Crown Court last Friday (21/7), following a trial lasting eight days.
At a previous hearing at the same court, Francis pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling, criminal damage, and assault on an emergency worker.
Today (28/7) Francis was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.
At approximately 3.10pm on 19 November last year, 91-year-old John was in his property in Cedar Terrace, when entry was forced into the address.
An unknown amount of money and jewellery was taken from the property.
John was seriously injured and taken to hospital, where he sadly died on 26 November.
Francis was arrested on 24 November, and he subsequently assaulted a police officer whilst in custody. He was charged on 26 November 2022.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther, said: “Andrew Francis’ decided to burgle John Brackin’s house in an attempt to steal money, so that he could buy drugs.
“When he realised that John Brackin was inside, he had a choice to leave the house but he didn’t.
“He instead inflicted injuries on John and burgled the property, also leaving John Brackin unable to call for help.
“John tragically died as a consequence of Francis’ assault on him. It was a horrendous crime and Francis fully deserves to be behind bars for a very long time.
“Francis’ violent actions have caused such sadness for the Brackin family.
“I would like to thank the Brackin family for their courage and dignity throughout the trial, and I hope the conviction of Francis, and the very long prison sentence given to him, will help them in a small way to move forward.
“I am pleased that Andrew Francis has been punished for his horrendous actions, and he will spend a very long time in prison, where he will no longer be a threat to the community.”