Notorious triple cop killer Harry Roberts dies at 89, 11 years post-release from life sentence
Harry Roberts, a notorious figure in British criminal history, has died at the age of 89. His death occurred on a recent Saturday, following his admission to a hospital. Roberts was known for his involvement in a tragic incident on August 12, 1966, where he and his accomplices killed three police officers.
Details of the 1966 Incident
On that fateful day in 1966, Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, aged 30, Detective Constable David Wombwell, 25, and PC Geoffrey Fox, 41, were responding to a robbery when they encountered Roberts and two accomplices, John Duddy and John Witney. The officers, in an unmarked police vehicle, attempted to engage with the suspects who were traveling in a Standard Vanguard as they searched for a car to steal.
- Date: August 12, 1966
- Location: London, UK
- Officers Killed:
- Det Sgt Christopher Head
- Det Con David Wombwell
- PC Geoffrey Fox
- Roberts’ Weapon: Luger pistol
Aftermath of the Crime
As the officers approached, Roberts opened fire, killing Wombwell. He then chased down and shot Sergeant Head, while one accomplice shot Fox. After the attack, Roberts evaded capture for 100 days before being located at a disused airfield near Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.
Legal Consequences
Roberts was tried at the Old Bailey and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison. His accomplices, Duddy and Witney, both passed away over 25 years ago. Throughout his time in prison, Roberts was frequently denied parole due to concerns regarding his continued involvement in criminal activities and associations with known criminals.
Ultimately, he was released in November 2014 after serving 48 years behind bars. His lengthy prison term and eventual release marked a significant chapter in this notorious case involving a triple cop killer.
