Stabbed Burglar's Dad Speaks Out Against Son - Sky News

5:01pm UK, Saturday June 25, 2011

The father of a burglar stabbed to death after an attempted break-in has stood up for the right of homeowners to protect their property.

Police at the Salford home where the attempted burglary happened

Gary Bennell said he hoped he would have the "guts" to defend his home.

His comments come just days after his 27-year-old son John, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, died from a stab wound to the chest after he and three other men tried to break in to a house in Salford.

"I'd hope I'd have the guts to protect my property," he told The Sun newspaper.

"I know things can get out of hand, but you're entitled to protect your property."

Mr Bennell, 52, described how his son had become estranged from him and his wife Diane.

But he said his wife was "broken-hearted" about what had happened.

I know things can get out of hand, but you're entitled to protect your property.

Father Gary Bennell

Homeowner Peter Flanagan, 59, was arrested on suspicion of murder following Bennell's death late on Wednesday.

On Friday after police questioning, he was bailed to July 25. His son Neil, 27, and a 21-year-old woman were also arrested but have since been released.

Police later arrested a 30-year-old man believed to be one of the suspected intruders but he was soon after released without charge.

They are appealing to the public to try to trace the alleged accomplices in the attempted burglary.

The appeal comes as a police source revealed Bennell, a known burglar, had been arrested on suspicion of another burglary in Tamworth, Staffordshire, a month before his death.

He was reportedly held in custody overnight and then released pending further inquiries.

The incident also follows Prime Minister David Cameron's promise to bring in stronger measures to protect householders defending their property.

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

:: This incident has drawn parallels with the case of Tony Martin, the farmer who, in 1999, killed a 16-year-old who was trying to steal from him. He was initially jailed for murder but it was later downgraded to manslaughter.