See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAMIE BOYS, REPORTER Published: 20:01 BST, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 20:02 BST, 25 August 2026
A former soldier accused of killing a great-grandmother and leaving her husband in hospital after allegedly attacking them with a metal pole in a violent burglary has been remanded in custody. Rose Smith, 75, and her husband Ronald Smith, 81, were watching TV at their home in Finsbury Park, north London, when four men burst in and demanded cash, a court heard. After a neighbour flagged down police to a house in Tollington Park, officers found 'wonderful, bingo-loving' Rose Smith, 75, collapsed in the hallway.She was taken to hospital, where she died the following day.Mr Smith was hit with a metal pole and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and later discharged. Jeffrey Dean Rose, 46, was charged with manslaughter, assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Mr Smith, and aggravated burglary with intent.He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday wearing a grey tracksuit with a short beard and spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.Police attempted CPR before taking Mrs Smith to hospital. Rose Smith, 75, died after reports of a burglary at a house in Finsbury ParkSuzanne John, defending, said Rose, a father-of-two, was a private investigator from 2012 to 2016.She said he was then a soldier but was discharged due to the coronavirus pandemic and became a bin man. Rose, of Apsley Close, North Harrow, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 22.In a statement, Mrs Smith's family, who are being supported by specialist officers, said: 'This is the most devastating loss our family could ever have imagined.'Rose was a truly wonderful, outgoing woman who was loved by so many people.'She loved bingo, going to cafes with her friends and, above all, spending time with her family.'She treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.'She was the life and soul of every party. She had a wonderful personality, a big heart and a way of bringing laughter and happiness wherever she went.'We want people to remember Rose for the person she truly was — loving, fun, kind, sociable and full of life.'
