Man Jailed for 13 Years After Fatal Assault on Pensioner
Simon Brown was sentenced to 13 years in prison for fatally attacking 71-year-old William Rowe. The deadly fight broke out inside a Mercury Close property following an argument.
Violent Attack Behind Closed Doors
Mr Rowe had been staying at the home while decorating it for a friend of Brown’s. On the night of Sunday, 3 September 2023, Mr Rowe was relaxing in the living room when Brown and an associate arrived around 11pm.
What started as a conversation quickly spiralled into a savage argument. Brown launched a prolonged and brutal assault, inflicting serious facial and chest injuries on the elderly victim. Rather than getting help, Brown left the house at 4.30am the next morning without calling for an ambulance.
CCTV Reveals Shocking Cover-Up
Less than 24 hours later, CCTV captured Brown returning to the property—but instead of checking on Mr Rowe, he grabbed his car and drove off. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Chatham by police.
Brown stayed silent about the attack until two days later, confessing to a family member that he had beaten Mr Rowe so badly he feared he’d killed him. Kent Police were called on 5 September, and officers found Mr Rowe’s lifeless body hidden under a blanket with severe injuries to his head and body.
From Murder Trial to Manslaughter Guilty Plea
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate arrested Brown the same day. Body-worn camera footage captured his admission that he had “beat the victim badly.” Initially charged with murder, Brown denied the allegation. A Maidstone Crown Court jury found him not guilty of murder.
However, Brown later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a 13-year jail sentence on 13 June 2024. He must serve two-thirds of the term before being eligible for parole and faces an additional four years of extended licence.
Senior Detective Condemns Brutal Attack
“Brown’s violent outburst left Mr Rowe with horrendous injuries. Despite knowing the extent of the harm, he failed to seek medical help and fled to save himself,” said Detective Chief Inspector Emma Lawry.
“This fit of rage cost Mr Rowe his life and left Brown facing a hefty prison sentence. His actions have devastated the victim’s family. The sheer level of violence shows he intended serious harm and must now face the consequences.”
