Stockport Man Faces No Further Action After Burglar Death

A Greater Manchester man arrested on suspicion of stabbing a burglar to death will not be charged.

32 year old Vincent Cooke was questioned after 37 year old Raymond Jacob suffered fatal stab wounds in a struggle at Mr Cooke's home last month.

He was released on bail, but the Crown Prosecution Service say he will face no further action.

"I have decided, after carefully considering the evidence in this case, that Vincent Cooke should not face any charges for the fatal stabbing of Raymond Jacob on 17th September during the course of a burglary at his home," Nazir Afzal Chief Crown Prosecutor, North West Area, said.
 

"I am not able to go into great detail about the circumstances of the incident as there is an ongoing prosecution against a second man for burglary, but the evidence shows that Mr Cooke had been taken upstairs at knifepoint, and that during a struggle with Raymond Jacob, Mr Cooke stabbed him in self defence.  At the time he was in fear for his own safety and the safety of his wife and son who arrived at the house as the incident was happening. 

"It is clear to me that Mr Cooke did what he honestly and instinctively believed was necessary on that day to protect himself, his home and his family from intruders.

 "As Crown Prosecutors we look at all cases on their merit and according to the evidence in the individual case. I am satisfied that this is a case where a householder, faced with armed intruders in frightening circumstances, acted in reasonable self defence.   The law is clear that anyone, who acts in good faith in using whatever force they honestly feel is necessary to protect themselves, their families or their property, will not be prosecuted for such action."