Family left broken after brutal unprovoked racist killing of beloved Isaac

'Our family is traumatised by the knowledge that he died so violently and senselessly. Losing him in such savage circumstances is unbearable'

The family of a man who was brutally killed in an unprovoked racist attack say they have been left broken and traumatised by the incident. Hubert Brown, known as Isaac, was subject to Christina Howell's unprovoked, racist attack as he was peacefully sat on a wall.

Isaac suffered a single stab wound and was subject to Howell's offensive, racist language. Members of the public rushed to help Isaac after the attack rushing him to hospital by car while others bravely disarmed and detained Howell at the scene.

Mr Brown's life was unable to be saved and Howell was further arrested for murder. Howell, 37, of Easton was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. She was given a hospital order under the Mental Health Act, after previously admitting manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Witnesses in Grosvenor Road said they saw Howell "walking with real purpose" towards Isaac, using racially offensive language before launching the unprovoked attack. After being overpowered by passers-by, she lay on the ground, admitting what she had done and making confused comments.

A statement on behalf of the Hubert family paid tribute to him. It read: “He was affectionately known as Isaac - a kind-hearted and harmless soul. Isaac was a brother, a son, an uncle, a cousin and a dear friend to many. His kindness, generosity and humour touched everyone who knew him. His brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends miss him deeply.

“To know him was to know warmth, laughter, and love. The pain of his absence is unbearable, and the circumstances of his death remain incomprehensible. Accepting that Isaac is no longer with us is a challenge we face every day.”

It added: “He was a proud Rastafarian and hugely spiritual. Rastafarian is all about love, unity and peace: Isaac personified that. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he always saw the good in everyone.

“When he spoke to you, it felt like he really knew you. He was generous with what he had, as well as with his time. As an integral part of our family he created and maintained connections with cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and other extended family. No task was too big or small for him to help with.

“Isaac always, always gave his time freely and without question. Isaac was the kind of cousin that always checked on you, called you to see how you were doing made sure everything was good in your life. He loved his family, friends and his community fiercely. He will be remembered as a kind and reliable man: the type of person you could always call if you needed help with anything.

“We never got to say goodbye to our beloved Isaac. He was stolen from all of us - a cruel, senseless act that has left an irreplaceable void in our family. He did nothing to deserve his fate. He was harmless, he was caring, he was loving and happy go lucky, a clever man who enjoyed just being happy, being connected and who brought joy to those around him.

“We now have to grapple with the unimaginable loss of someone who meant so much to us. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and ordinary moments of joy will now carry a heavy silence, for Isaac will never again be part of those cherished memories. Despite the time that has passed, the wounds of his brutal murder remain as raw as ever.

“We struggle to comprehend the horror he must have endured in his final moments. The shock, fear and the helplessness he must have felt will haunt us forever. Our family is traumatised by the knowledge that he died so violently and senselessly. Losing him in such savage circumstances is unbearable.

“He was more than a statistic, more than another victim of racist violence. His memory deserves respect, and his loss must not be in vain. We are left to grapple with the trauma of his death and the injustice of his loss.

“This tragedy has left us broken. But we will not let Isaac’s memory fade. We will carry him with us, honour his life, and demand the justice he deserves. We will never stop mourning our Isaac. But we will also never stop remembering the love, laughter, and light he brought to our lives.”

A statement from Stand Against Racism and Inequality: “SARI sends our heartfelt sympathies to the Brown family, who we continue to support as they seek justice in Isaac’s name.

“Isaac, affectionately known to his family and friends as a kind-hearted, gentle, and spiritual man, was murdered in an act of senseless and racially motivated violence. In the final moments before his life was taken, racist language was used. This was not just a tragic loss, it was a hate crime that has left an irreplaceable void in his family and community.

“We were contacted by Isaac’s family shortly after his death and have stood by them as they’ve navigated the immense trauma of losing someone so beloved in such a cruel way.

“Throughout the judicial process, we have provided support and continue to do so to ensure that the racial motivation of this attack is properly recognised and addressed.

"We stand with his family in their grief and in their determination to see justice done. We will honour Isaac’s memory by continuing to fight for a society where no one is targeted for the colour of their skin, their beliefs, or their identity.

“SARI will not stop working until this country truly stands against racism and inequality, and until no family has to endure the pain that the Brown family now carries.

At the sentencing hearing His Honour Judge Peter Blair KC, the Honorary Recorder of Bristol, heard that Howell had struggled with her mental health for more than twenty years. Prior to killing Mr Brown she had been diagnosed with complex mental health needs and was being cared for under a community treatment order. She was staying in supported living accommodation and complying with medical treatment.

Witnesses in Grosvenor Road said they saw Howell "walking with real purpose" towards Isaac, using racially offensive language before launching the unprovoked attack. After being overpowered by passers-by, she lay on the ground, admitting what she had done and making confused comments.

While in custody, she was deemed mentally unfit to be interviewed and was charged with murder, making her first appearance at court on Monday, October 2, 2023. Since that time, Howell has been in a secure hospital undergoing psychiatric assessment and treatment.

The court heard that four psychiatrists agreed that Howell was suffering from a mental health condition and that the disorder substantially impeded her judgement, rational decision-making and control.

Her condition was described as “chronic”, “relapsing” and “treatment-resistant”. She was described as delusional and posing a “significant” risk to others when ill.

The court heard from two psychiatrists who agreed in recommending a hospital order under the Mental Health Act. They said this would allow for conditions on her eventual release involving compliance with specialist mental health care, which would not be available under a prison sentence.

Sentencing, HHJ Peter Blair described Howell’s action as “an appalling crime of manslaughter”.

He told her: “You had from what we’ve heard ordered a knife online. You secreted it inside your bra and clothing. You set off from home armed with that knife and plainly you were intent on finding someone to stab.

“It was a racist attack, let’s make no bones about it. The impact on other people of that being associated with your actions makes it all the more aggravated and hurtful.”

Handing down a hospital order under s37 of the Mental Health Act with restrictions under s41, he added: “You will not be released from Rampton until and unless the experts consider that it may be appropriate to try you out in conditions of medium security, then low security, and then after some years, release. It will protect the public and ensure you never do anything like this again.”

Vicky Gleave, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “Hubert Brown’s death was a tragic and deeply distressing crime and our thoughts remain with his family as they mourn their loss.

“There can be no doubt that Christina Howell unlawfully killed Mr Brown and that this was a race-hate crime.

“We accepted the plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after a review of comprehensive medical evidence from two independent experts. This concluded that Christina Howell was suffering from a medical condition that substantially impaired her judgement and that she would not have attacked and killed Hubert Brown had she not been mentally ill.

“The legal bar to accepting such a plea is very high and we have to be sure that a jury presented with all the evidence would reach the same conclusion. We are certain this high bar was met in this case.

“Mr Brown was a much-loved member of the community, and we recognise that this violent, racist crime has had a profound impact, not just on his family and friends, but on the whole community. We have met with Mr Brown’s family and community members to explain our decision-making.

“Our thoughts remain with all those who loved and cared for Mr Brown at this extremely difficult time.”

Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge, who led the team investigating Mr Brown's death, said: "Christina Howell has shown no remorse for the killing of Hubert Brown, known lovingly as Isaac. This was an unprovoked, senseless, and vile racist attack on a man who was simply going about his life — a man who did nothing wrong.

"Today’s sentence is not the outcome Isaac’s family had hoped for — and certainly not the justice they feel he deserved.

“Isaac was a kind, deeply loved individual whose loss has left a permanent void in the lives of those who knew him. His family has shown incredible strength, dignity, and courage throughout this long and painful legal process. They’ve stood for him every step of the way and carried their grief with grace.

“Our thoughts remain with them — not just today, but as they continue to navigate life without Isaac.

“I also want to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who acted with bravery in a moment of horror. They tried to save Isaac, they detained the attacker, and they were willing to testify in court. Their actions were courageous and selfless.

“This has been a heart-breaking case, and this sentence may not feel like justice, but our hope is that today brings some measure of peace to Isaac’s loved ones."