Amos Wilsher, 29, and his brother Jason, 23, from Tibshelf, Derbyshire, have been sentenced to life imprisonment following a chilling crime spree that resulted in the deaths of two elderly victims and left another seriously injured. Amos received a minimum term of 38 years, while Jason was handed at least 25 years after a re-trial at Coventry Crown Court.
The Wilsher brothers targeted vulnerable elderly residents in Staffordshire during attacks in 2017 and 2020, breaking into their homes and using shocking violence. On 21 November 2017, they forced entry into Arthur ‘Bob’ Gumbley’s bungalow in Little Aston. When Bob confronted them, they brutally beat him, dragged him through his own home, and tore jewellery from his wrist. The brothers stole antiques, jewellery, and cash before fleeing the scene. Bob was taken to hospital with multiple injuries but sadly died weeks later on 12 December 2017.
Just four days after the attack on Bob Gumbley, the Wilsher brothers broke into Dennis Taylor’s farmhouse near Mansfield, disguised as police officers. Dennis, aged 82, was repeatedly assaulted and robbed of jewellery and £800. Despite the violence, he survived the attack.
Police investigations linked the brothers to the crimes through forensic evidence and surveillance. A burnt-out Mazda RX8 connected to the attacks was traced back to the Wilsher family via phone numbers and addresses. Jason’s DNA was found on a drawer handle at Bob’s home, while Amos’s electronic tag data placed him near the crime scenes at the relevant times.
The final attack occurred on 27 February 2020, when Amos broke into Josephine Kaye’s home in Stoke-on-Trent, impersonating a police officer. He ripped her emergency pendant from her wrist, assaulted her with a screwdriver, and stole large sums of cash and a safe. Josephine sustained a broken leg and fractured thigh and died on 17 March 2020.
Amos was identified through DNA evidence found on a tampered security light and a soap tin at Josephine’s house. CCTV footage captured him near the scene driving a grey Honda, and fragments of Josephine’s belongings along with a woolly hat containing his DNA were recovered.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Ison said, “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.” He also praised the bravery of the victims and the dedication of police over four years to bring the offenders to justice.
The families of the victims have spoken out following the sentencing. The family of Bob Gumbley stated, “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 said, “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 added, “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.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
