Thug Johnny Brazil Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter and String of Burglaries
Callous robbery leads to death of 84-year-old
Johnny Brazil, 26, has admitted manslaughter over the death of Joyce Burgess, 84, who he robbed at her home on Loop Road on July 7, 2018. The brutal attack left Mrs Burgess hospitalised, and she tragically died three days later after suffering a heart attack linked to her injuries.
Brazil also confessed to a slew of other burglaries across the county, targeting vulnerable elderly victims in their homes.
Forensic evidence and CCTV brought him down
Police pieced together the case with damning forensic evidence, including a cigarette butt DNA-matched to Brazil and CCTV footage capturing his movements during the crime spree. Witness descriptions helped identify Brazil, who was eventually arrested in Leeds, Yorkshire, after fleeing the area.
Disturbing spree of attacks on elderly women
- Robbery, Woodcotes Road, Epsom (June 30): Brazil forced his way through an unlocked door and grabbed an 81-year-old woman’s handbag. He pushed her to the floor, leaving her unable to call for help immediately. He was caught on CCTV and identified by the victim.
- Robbery and manslaughter, Loop Road, Woking (July 7): Claiming to ask for water, Brazil entered Joyce Burgess’s home, snatched her handbag and violently assaulted her, causing serious injuries that led to her death.
- Attempted burglary, Balfour Avenue, Woking (July 8): Brazil was spotted looking through an elderly woman’s bedroom window before fleeing when disturbed.
- Burglary, Honeypots Road, Woking (July 8): He sneaked in through a toilet window while an 89-year-old woman slept, stealing handbags and jewellery.
- Burglary, Howards Road, Woking (July 8): A 96-year-old woman saw Brazil in her bedroom early morning but thought she was dreaming. He stole sentimental jewellery later reported missing.
- Burglary, Vicarage Road (July 8): Brazil was caught on CCTV checking doors at 3am, dropped a cigarette with his DNA on it, then returned to break in and steal a handbag. The handbag was later found discarded and burnt.
Detective vows justice for victims
“Johnny Brazil is now rightfully behind bars for what he did, having caused the death of Joyce Burgess following his callous robbery and attack,” said Detective Constable Alexis Batty. “Brazil showed no moral boundaries, preying on vulnerable victims for little more than handbags and a small amount of cash.”
“We originally charged Brazil with grievous bodily harm, but expert medical evidence led us to pursue manslaughter to reflect the severity of his crimes,” added DC Batty.
Brazil pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court on June 21 and awaits sentencing on August 9. He faces additional charges including possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.
