A pensioner died after being punched when he told a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement, a court has heard.
Andre Wright-Walters, 38, struck 67-year-old James Gbadamosi twice in the face, sending him crashing to the ground in Balham, south-west London, on August 24 last year.
Mr Gbadamosi hit his head on the pavement and was taken to hospital, where he died two weeks later on September 5.
A jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court convicted Wright-Walters of manslaughter yesterday after hearing his claim that the pensioner had acted aggressively towards him first.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court that the incident happened shortly after 3pm. Mr Gbadamosi had been standing outside Costa Coffee on Balham High Road with his partner when he became upset after seeing a young boy riding a Lime bike on the pavement.
He told the child that he should be riding on the road instead. Mr Gbadamosi then exchanged words with a woman, who said: “You think you’re a big man shouting at a child.”
The woman walked away, sat on a bench and made a telephone call to the defendant.
Mr Holt said Wright-Walters later arrived on Balham High Road carrying a child on his shoulders.
Pensioner James Gbadamosi (pictured) was beaten to death in Balham on August 24 last year after telling a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement
Andre Wright-Walters (pictured) was convicted of manslaughter by a jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Wednesday
He put the child down before confronting Mr Gbadamosi, the court heard.
“Reference was made to the interaction with the woman and the child,” Mr Holt said. The defendant punched and slapped Mr Gbadamosi before hitting him twice in the face, knocking him to the ground, where he struck his head on the pavement.
Wright-Walters and the woman then left the scene.
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Wright-Walters and the woman were arrested three days later, on August 27. Police searching their home found cocaine.
In a prepared statement during his police interview, Wright-Walters claimed Mr Gbadamosi had immediately behaved aggressively, moved into his personal space and made him fear he was about to be assaulted.
He said Mr Gbadamosi appeared to want a fight, adding that he had been walking backwards while the pensioner moved towards him.
Wright-Walters also said the other man was much taller and insisted he had not gone to the area looking for a confrontation.
Wright-Walters, from Greenwich in south-east London, was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
He will be sentenced next Tuesday, November 3.
In a tribute, James Gbadamosi’s family said they welcomed the verdict and thanked police for their hard work in bringing those responsible to justice.
‘James was a huge part of our family and his loss has left a void that can never truly be filled. He was loved by so many, especially his husband, who has lost his beloved partner and the future they had hoped to share together.
‘An affable, funny, intelligent and caring man, James brought people together and had a genuine interest in others. He will be remembered for his warmth, humour, kindness and the countless friendships he made throughout his life.
‘His death has changed our lives forever, and we will feel his absence in countless ways for the rest of our lives. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support and sympathy during this difficult time. James was loved beyond measure and will never be forgotten. We will carry him in our hearts always.’
Detective Inspector Sarah Philippe, who led the Met’s investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with James’ family as they continue to come to terms with this devastating loss.
‘While no conviction can ever bring James back to his loved ones or undo the pain and suffering caused by his death, we hope today’s verdict provides them with a measure of closure and a sense that justice has been served.
‘Throughout this investigation, our focus has been on securing answers for James’ family, and I would like to pay tribute to them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.’