A 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl have been found guilty of killing 80-year-old Bhim Kohli, who died after being attacked and racially abused just yards from his home.
The elderly man was walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester on September 1 last year when he was confronted by the teenagers. He was filmed being assaulted and later died from his injuries in hospital.
Jurors convict both of manslaughter
After a six-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, jurors took just under seven hours to unanimously convict both youths of manslaughter. The boy had also been charged with murder but was cleared of that count. Neither can be named for legal reasons due to their ages.
The court heard Mr Kohli suffered a broken neck and several rib fractures, injuries a pathologist said were consistent with being struck by something heavy. He died the following evening in hospital.
‘I did it and I accept I’m doing time’
The court was told that following the attack, the boy planned to go “on the run” to Hinckley but was arrested hiding in bushes shortly after a 999 call. A letter later recovered from him read: “I did it and I accept I’m doing time. I kinda just needed anger etc releasing.”
After the verdicts were delivered, Mr Justice Turner remanded the boy into custody and released the girl on bail ahead of sentencing. Both appeared visibly upset as the jury’s foreman announced the decision.
Victim remembered as devoted family man
In a statement released after his death, Mr Kohli’s family described him as a loving husband, father and grandfather who was always smiling and full of life. He was still active at 80, spending his days tending to his allotment and walking the family dog, Rocky.
His family said: “Bhim loved to laugh. He was the joker of the family, always happy and talkative. He was very well known in the community, having lived in the same house for 40 years.”
They added: “Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to support each other through the most difficult time imaginable.”
Sentencing is expected at a later date.
