A man has been jailed for five years and nine months after admitting the manslaughter of a 'defenceless' victim in a Leicester park. Joshua Moore, 33, approached a police cordon more than an hour after the attack and confessed, 'it was me'. His victim, James McKeown, 62, known as Jim, died from a head injury shortly after the assault.
The attack
Mr McKeown was walking home from a nearby pub when he encountered Moore, who was riding a quad bike in the park. Police described it as a 'chance encounter' that turned fatal. Moore punched the victim, causing him to fall and strike his head. Despite placing Mr McKeown in the recovery position, Moore made no attempt to contact emergency services and left the scene.
More than an hour later, Moore returned to the cordon that had been set up by officers and admitted to assaulting Mr McKeown. He was subsequently arrested and later charged with manslaughter.
Police response
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Murder Investigation Team, condemned Moore's actions. He said: 'Sadly, this is a tragic death that could have been avoided. Moore had a choice that day and should have walked away, without using any violence, Jim posed no threat to him.'
DI Hames added: 'His actions have now left a family devastated at the loss of their loved one. The fact that he didn't make any attempt to contact the emergency services following the incident shows exactly what type of man he is. He placed Jim in the recovery position and clearly saw the injuries he had caused but that didn’t stop him from riding away, returning home to organise his affairs before handing himself in.'
Impact on family
The detective also highlighted the wider consequences of the attack, noting that Moore should not have been riding a quad bike in the park in the first place. 'Notwithstanding this was a totally unprovoked attack, Joshua Moore should not have been riding a quad bike in the park,' he said.
'While we are pleased that Moore has admitted to being responsible for Jim’s death, there are certainly no winners in the case. Jim’s family now face a life without him, and nothing can replace the feeling of that loss. They have shown immense bravery throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. This has in no way been easy for them.'
Sentencing
Moore was sentenced at court after pleading guilty to manslaughter. The judge handed down a sentence of five years and nine months. DI Hames remarked: 'Moore now faces a lengthy term in prison, and I hope it gives him the opportunity to reflect on his actions.'
The incident has again raised concerns about unprovoked violence in public spaces, with police urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have.
