Ruthless Wilsher Brothers Jailed for Life Over Elderly Murders and Brutal Attacks
Amos Wilsher, 29, and his brother Jason, 23, from Tibshelf, Derbyshire, have been locked up for life after a chilling crime spree that left two elderly victims dead and another seriously injured. Amos received a minimum of 38 years, while Jason was handed at least 25 years after a re-trial at Coventry Crown Court.
Brutal Attacks on Vulnerable Pensioners
The Wilsher brothers terrorised the elderly in 2017 and 2020, targeting their homes with shocking violence. On 21 November 2017, they broke into Arthur ‘Bob’ Gumbley’s Little Aston bungalow. When Bob investigated, they savagely beat him, dragged him through his own home, and tore jewellery from his wrist. They stole antiques, jewellery, and cash before fleeing.
Bob was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries but tragically died weeks later on 12 December 2017.
Just four days after Bob’s attack, the brothers forced their way into Dennis Taylor’s farmhouse near Mansfield, disguised as police officers. Dennis, 82, was repeatedly assaulted and robbed of jewellery and £800. Miraculously, he survived.
Cold and Calculated Crimes Caught on CCTV and DNA
- Police tracked the suspects using a burnt-out Mazda RX8 linked to the attacks. The car was tied back to the Wilsher family through a web of phone numbers and addresses.
- Forensic teams found Jason’s DNA on a drawer handle at Bob’s home.
- Amos’s electronic tag data placed him near crime scenes during the offences.
The final horrifying attack happened on 27 February 2020, when Amos broke into Josephine Kaye’s home in Stoke-on-Trent, posing as a policeman. He ripped her emergency pendant from her wrist, assaulted her with a screwdriver, and stole large sums of cash and a safe. Josephine was left with a broken leg and fractured thigh, and died on 17 March 2020.
Justice Served After Gruelling Investigation
Amos was caught thanks to DNA evidence on a tampered security light and a soap tin at Josephine’s house. CCTV also captured him near the scene driving a grey Honda, where fragments of Josephine’s belongings and a woolly hat with his DNA were found.
“The sentences the Wilsher brothers have received reflect the cruelty and planning behind these cold-blooded crimes. Their reign of terror targeting vulnerable elderly residents is over, making Staffordshire safer,” said Detective Chief Inspector Dan Ison.
Detective Ison praised the bravery of the victims and the hard work of police over four years to bring the criminals to justice.
Victims’ Families Speak Out
Family of Bob Gumbley: “We now have justice for the murder of our dad. Thank you to Staffordshire Police, barristers, and everyone involved. We offer our condolences to Mrs Kaye’s family and send best wishes to Dennis Taylor.”
Josephine Kaye’s daughter Barbara: “My mum was a kind, generous soul taken in such a senseless, cruel way. Nothing can bring her back, but justice has been served. We thank everyone who supported this case and ask for privacy as we grieve.”
Dennis Taylor’s family: “Our deepest condolences to the families affected. We are proud of Dad for his courage in court at 86. His bravery helped convict these ruthless criminals. Thanks to all who worked tirelessly on this case.”
