Neighbour Brutally Kills Grandad Days Before Wife’s Funeral
Sable Thomas, 43, was jailed for at least eight years at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 8 April, after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of 80-year-old Anthony Rooks. The killing shocked the quiet Dalmeny Road community in N7.
Violent Attack Shatters Family Just Before Funeral
The court heard Anthony’s wife of 46 years had recently died on 14 April 2020, with her funeral set for 7 May. But Anthony never made it. On 4 May 2020, his neighbour and friend, Thomas, brutally beat him to death.
Anthony suffered multiple severe blows to his head and face. The assault was so savage that part of his ear was bludgeoned off.
Heartbroken Granddaughter Speaks Out
“Little did we know that three days before our nan’s funeral, this horrific tragedy would rock our world and change our lives forever,” said Anthony’s granddaughter in a victim impact statement.
“Why would anyone hurt such a loving, funny, giving, and caring old man like that? Grandad’s home was our safe place, filled with happy memories. Now, it feels destroyed. Our entire childhood has been shattered.”
“We never imagined evil like this could touch our lives. He had so much more to offer and was planning to return to Trinidad. We never got to say goodbye. Our hearts are broken, and there’s a huge hole in all of us. We hope for closure so we can try to live a normal life again.”
Disturbing Scene Discovered by Family
Anthony’s daughter was asleep upstairs when she heard shouting and banging from the flat below. Checking the noise, she found her father injured outside the front door. Thomas refused to explain what had happened.
Police arrived after a 999 call and found Thomas acting bizarrely, laughing maniacally. Blood stains were spotted on walls, beds, and a bucket used for cleaning up the grisly scene. Thomas was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mental Health Issues and Shocking Arrest
While in custody, Thomas bizarrely asked officers, “Is this how you normally treat murderers?” and “Can I ask who I murdered?” He admitted to struggling with mental health and stopping prescribed medication that didn’t agree with him. He was charged on 6 May 2020.
Detective Sergeant Brian Jones said: “This is an absolutely heart-breaking case. Anthony was killed in the most brutal way by a friend suffering mental health problems. The family was already grieving for Anthony’s wife, and now they face having to plan two funerals during a pandemic.”
“Thomas robbed Anthony of the chance to say goodbye to his wife of 46 years. I commend the family’s bravery throughout the investigation and hope this sentence brings some closure.”
