A teenager has been sentenced following the killing of 82-year-old Dennis Clarke with just a single punch at Derby bus station in May 2021.
Warning: The CCTV footage does show the assault and some people may find this distressing.
Teenager sentenced following the killing 82-year-old Dennis Clarke
Omar Moumeche, of James Close in Derby, was found guilty to a single count of Manslaughter in July this year. He has today been sentenced to two years in youth detention.
Officers were called to reports of an assault at Derby bus station, in the Morledge, at around 4.30pm on Thursday 6 May 2021.
Mr Clarke suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he tragically died nine days later, having never recovered from those injuries.
During the week-long trial it was heard how Mr Clarke had been surrounded by a group of three teenagers he had allegedly challenged after it was believed they had been messing around on an escalator in the Derbion centre (formerly the Intu centre).
He was then followed to Derby bus station, where the incident happened.
Detective Inspector Mark Shaw, who led the investigation into Mr Clarke’s death, said: “Our investigation was assisted by the capture of CCTV footage and many witness accounts, all of which were presented during the trial.
“The defendant claimed he acted in self-defence, and the jury on the balance and high threshold required refused to accept his version of events.”
“Dennis was a well known and loved friend and family member. Dennis’ family were present throughout the hearings and have acted with absolute dignity both throughout the trial and including at the time the guilty verdict was returned and I thank them for that.”
Moumeche, who is now 18-years-old, was aged 16 at the time of the offence.
DI Shaw added: “The tragic events of that day have had a devastating effect on both the families of Mr Clarke and of the defendant himself. Mr Moumeches’ actions in that moment will have lasting affects both short term whilst he is serving his custodial sentence, and post sentence as he tries to move forward.
“I hope that this case will demonstrate how important it is to stop and take a moment before resolving any matters and avoid resorting to the level of violence and the consequences seen here.
“I would like to express my thanks to the family of Mr Clarke for the dignity shown throughout the entire criminal process and hope they can look to move forward and now focus on their fond memories of Dennis.”
