Teenager admits killing pensioner Richard Mannington Bowes in London riots
Alexandra Topping
guardian.co.uk, Monday 12 March 2012 11.59 EDT
Article history
Richard Mannington Bowes was killed during the London 2011 riots
Richard Mannington Bowes, 68, was punched to the ground and suffered brain dramage during the attack near his home in Haven Green, Ealing, west London. Photograph: Metropolitan Police/PA
A 17-year-old youth has admitted killing a pensioner who was trying to put out a fire during last year's summer riots. The teenager punched Richard Mannington Bowes, knocking him to the ground. The pensioner, 68, banged his head and suffered brain damage as a result. He died in hospital on August 11, three days after the incident near his home in Ealing, west London.
The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, admitted manslaughter when he appeared at Inner London crown court. He also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, having previously admitted burglary at William Hill, Tesco Express, Blockbusters and Fatboys Thai restaurant on August 8.
Mannington Bowes was trying to put out a fire in a supermarket bin near the Arcadia shopping centre at around 10.45pm on 8 August – the third night of London rioting – when he was set upon by rioters. A picture of him lying face down in a pool of blood became an enduring image of the horror and violence of the riots.
His sister, Anne Wilderspin, said afterwards she was struggling to understand what had happened. "I don't really feel anything at the moment. I am overwhelmed by the last 24 hours and just feel a bit stunned. I am trying to come to terms with everything that's been going on."
full: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/mar/12/london-riots-mannington-bowes-manslaughter
