Trevor Gocan, 57, gave his 74-year-old neighbour a fatal brain bleed and broke his ribs in a show of “casual, thuggish violence”.
A jury at Southwark Crown Court found him guilty yesterday (May 1) of the manslaughter of James O’Neill – known as Jim.
They heard that the assault happened on a busy Sunday (October 6, 2024) on Odhams Walk, near both men’s homes.
The ambulance was called around midday and Jim was taken to hospital where doctor’s found he had a brain bleed.James ‘Jim’ O’Neill died after sustaining a fatal brain bleed in a row about a gate (Image: Met)
He died in hospital two weeks later on October 21.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South – who led the investigation – said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr O’Neill, who lost a loved one in shocking circumstances.
“The killer acted disgracefully, punching and kicking his victim in full view of members of the public – among them children – on a busy Sunday morning.
“The jury’s verdict shows that casual, thuggish violence will not be tolerated on London’s streets. There was absolutely no excuse for Gocan’s conduct.”
A post-mortem examination found that Jim’s death was caused by complications from a traumatic brain injury and rib injuries resulting from the assault.
At interview the defendant gave no comment and in court he claimed he acted in self-defence when he attacked Mr O’Neill, following a row over the gate.
Gocan has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Southwark Crown Court on June 26.
