OAP Dies After Break-In: Accused Burglar In Court

WW2 Veteran Peter Gouldstone

An alleged burglar, accused of breaking into the home of a 98 year-old World War Two veteran who died three weeks later, appeared in court today.

Homeless Romanian national Nicolae Ion, 31, appeared via video link from HMP Bedford at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where he is charged with two other burglaries.

Retired telephone engineer Peter Gouldstone was found on November 6, 2018 at the home he had lived in for over sixty years suffering severe injuries, including two bleeds to the brain and extensive bruising.

Bearded Ion, wearing a red top, confirmed his nationality and that he did not understand English and was remanded in custody until November 8 for a court-appointed interpreter.

He is charged with burgling the OAP’s home at 85 Evesham Road, New Southgate between November 5 and 9, 2018, stealing a Panasonic TV. 

Mr Gouldstone, who worked for the Post Office until retiring in 1980, was found dying at 10.00am on November 6, 2018 and passed away in hospital three weeks later.

A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as complications of a traumatic head injury.

Police released a CCTV clip of three unknown suspects attempting to break into another nearby home on November 5.

Mr Gouldstone Died Three Weeks After Break-In 

At the time Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said: “We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Peter’s death. It is the worst news for his family and for all those who cared for and knew him.”

Mr Gouldstone served in Italy during the Second World War.

There had been a £10,000 reward on offer for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individuals who broke into the Mr Gouldstone’s home.

The case was also featured on BBC’s Crimewatch live.

A 26-inch Panasonic TV, model TX-L26X10B - valued at £20 - and other possessions were said to have been stolen by the intruders.

Following the break-in Mr Gouldstone’s son Simon said: “The house was very cold, he was in amongst quite a lot of turmoil.

“He couldn’t communicate, he had bruising to his arms and face. I don’t know how they can live with themselves. The sooner they’re locked up the better.”

Ion is also charged with burgling a property in Oaks Lane, Ilford on August 4, 2019, stealing jewellery; two suitcases; a television and two jewellery boxes.

He is further charged with the attempted burglary, with others, of an address in Manor Drive North, New Malden, south-west London on July 30, 2019.

He did not enter pleas on any of the charges.

Judge Georgina Sharkey announced: “We can’t have an effective hearing without a Romanian interpreter. He simply does not understand.

“Next week Romania interpreter,” the judge told Ion. “Not today, sorry. We can’t find a Romanian interpreter today, next week.”

Ion held up eight fingers to confirm he understood the next court date, telling Judge Sharkey: “Thank-you. Good day.”