World-renowned Jaguar restoration expert dies after being attacked in his home

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Family pay tribute to ‘true craftsman’ John Brown, 82, after he suffered serious assault at his property in Warwickshire



A world-renowned Jaguar restoration expert has died after being attacked in his home.

Police have launched a murder investigation after John Brown, 82, suffered the “serious” assault in Bulkington, Warwickshire, on Nov 23.

His family described him as a “true craftsman” after he died of his injuries in hospital on Nov 29.

Jakob Walpole, 32, was charged before Mr Brown died with a series of offences including grievous bodily harm with intent.

Warwickshire Police confirmed the force was now conducting a “murder investigation”.

In a statement released via the force, Mr Brown’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved, John Brown, a man whose kindness, generosity and passion touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

“John was not only a loving husband, father and grandfather, but also a true gentleman, a pillar of the community and a world-renowned figure in the Jaguar restoration industry.”

In 1982, Mr Brown founded Leaping Cats, a firm which built and restored Jaguar cars, including the XK series.

The former racing mechanic was said to have “forgotten more about XK’s than most people will ever know”.

His family added: “His reputation in this industry was unmatched – John’s attention to detail, his skill, and his dedication to excellence earned him respect and admiration across the globe.

“He took great pride in his work, and the cars he helped create became a lasting legacy, much like the lasting impact he had on those around him.”

The statement also described his dedication to his family as “unwavering” and said he had been a “wonderful husband” to his wife Dot.

It added: “His family will forever treasure the example he set and the deep, unconditional love he gave.”

Mr Walpole, of School Road in Bulkington, was arrested after two incidents on Nov 23, including the assault of Mr Brown.

A second attack happened at Bulkington Working Men’s Club later that evening, where the suspect is alleged to have assaulted a customer and a member of staff.

Mr Walpole has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, common assault by beating and breaching a restraining order.

He is due to appear in court on Dec 23.

Det Insp Gareth Unett said in a statement on Friday: “What was an investigation into a serious assault has sadly turned into a murder investigation.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and they are being supported by specialist officers at this incredibly difficult time.”

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Man guilty of killing 'vulnerable' grandfather



A man has been found guilty of killing his "frail and vulnerable" grandfather who was a well-known Jaguar car restoration expert.

John Brown, 81, died six days after suffering head injuries at his home in Bulkington, Warwickshire, at the hands of Jakob Walpole, 33. [pictured above]

A jury at Warwick Crown Court had heard that Walpole had a "very significant day of drinking" before the attack.

Walpole, of School Road in the village, was found guilty of manslaughter and of assaulting two other victims at a working men's club, but was cleared of murder.

During the trial, Michael Duck KC told jurors Walpole had been "drinking throughout the day" before attacking his relative on 23 November of last year.

He went on to smash a glass over the back of a customer's head at Bulkington Working Men's Club in an incident caught on the "clearest possible" CCTV footage.

Walpole then made "physical and direct contact" with a bar worker as he was physically removed from the club.

The court heard relatives had expressed concern about Walpole's "deteriorating" behaviour since the Covid pandemic, leading to Mr Brown's daughter installing security cameras at her parents' home in St James Gardens, Bulkington.

Natalie Kelly, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Jakob Walpole carried out a senseless and brutal attack on his own grandfather who had tried to help him.

"He showed no concern or remorse following the attack. Rather than call for help, he callously left his vulnerable and elderly grandfather severely injured and went to a local pub where he assaulted two further elderly victims."

Det Insp Gareth Unett of Warwickshire Police, said: "John Brown was a kind, gentle, hard-working man whose loss has left a huge void in the lives of his loved ones and friends.

"The legacy he leaves is not only in the love and generosity he showed to those around him, but also in the countless classic cars that will survive for generations more thanks to his work."