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Anorak News | How Did John Leonard Bennell Die? The Salford Homeowners Who Killed A ‘Burglar’

How Did John Leonard Bennell Die? The Salford Homeowners Who Killed A ‘Burglar’

by | 24th, June 2011

JOHN Leonard Bennell is dead. Police suspect that the 27-year-old from Hyde, Manchester, was killed by Pete Flanagan, 59, and his son Neil Flanagn, 27, (pictured) as he raided a home in Salford – the home they were in. It was close to midnight on Wednesday June 22.

Neil Flangan’s girlfriend has also been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The caper allegedly went like this:

John Bennell and three other men arrive at a house in Ethel Avenue, Pendlebury, Salford, Greater Manchester. They are wearing balaclavas.
The attempt to break in via the back door.
John Bennell was stabbed at least once.
The three other men take Bennell’s body form the house and place it by the roadside.
Neil Flanagan’s girlfriend calls the police.
Three men run off.
John Bennell dies in hospital.

Salford Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan, tells media:

“Clearly this is a shocking incident and a man has lost his life. However, I can reassure the community that we will thoroughly investigate what happened and do not believe that members of the public are at risk.”

He adds:

“If somebody was confronted by a burglar tonight, I would tell them to ring the police and use reasonable force to protect themselves.”

Earlier this week, Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“We will put beyond doubt that homeowners and small shopkeepers who use reasonable force to defend themselves or their properties will not be prosecuted.”

And:

“It’s to make sure that fewer cases, frankly, are taken to court, that fewer people are arrested for doing what I think is perfectly legitimate, which is to defend yourself in your own home. The moment a burglar steps over your threshold and invades your property, with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood, I think they leave their human rights outside.”

Currently, people facing a threat from burglars can only act if they fear for their lives.

Only the Daily Express and Daily Star leads with the news.

Star’s front page: “Cam law tested as burgles stabbed to death”

During a struggle one of the four raiders was stabbed and began staggering away. His three accomplices helped him 200 yards down the road towards a hospital. When he collapsed on the pavement the rest of the gang fled leaving him to die.

This is judgemental and suggestive that the three wanted men are callous? Did they leave him to die or did they hear the sirens and run off?

Express front page: “Burlgar stabbed to death: 3 held by police”

His three accomplices, all wearing dark clothing, dragged him 200 yards down the road but left him for dead on the pavement and fled after one of the Flanagan family rang 999 to report the raid.

The language is important. This is an alleged burglar. Did they leave him for dead? We do now know where he had been stabbed. The wound may have not looked as bad as it was.

The Sun does way with legal niceties and delivers its verdict:

A FATHER and son were being quizzed on suspicion of murder last night after a burglar was stabbed to death at their home.

Peter Flanagan, 59, and Neil, 27, were arrested after trying to protect themselves and their property.

We do not know all the facts. The facts will decide who is guilty…

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Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan talks to the media outside Swinton Police station, Swinton, Greater Manchester.



Posted: 24th, June 2011 | In: Reviews Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink