Man Jailed Indefinitely for Brutal Murder of Elderly Woman
Alexander Rawson, 63, was slapped with an indefinite hospital order at the Old Bailey on Monday, 20 December. He was found guilty of attacking and killing Eileen Dean just days after moving into her home.
Fierce Nighttime Attack Captured on CCTV
The horror unfolded in the early hours of Monday, 4 January, when police were called to find Eileen with severe facial and head injuries. Despite rushing her to hospital, she died the same day.
Met’s Specialist Crime Command detectives pieced together the crime through CCTV footage. Cameras recorded Rawson wielding a metal walking stick, striding towards the bedrooms around 10:20pm. No one else appeared on camera during the two-hour window where the attack is believed to have occurred.
A blood-soaked metal walking stick, believed to be the murder weapon, was later found on Eileen’s bed.
Trial and Tribute to Victim
Rawson was deemed unfit to stand trial, so the jury focused on whether he committed the fatal act. The brutal killing of a defenceless woman shocked those who knew her.
“Eileen was a completely defenceless woman whose life was suddenly taken away in a horrific manner,” said Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood. “She was described as a calm, quiet and lovely woman by all who knew her.”
“Our thoughts remain with Eileen’s family, who have been through an incredibly traumatic experience and conducted themselves with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the trial.”
“We hope her children and grandchildren have the space to grieve together now the trial is complete and to remember Eileen for the wonderful woman she was.”
