A tragic incident unfolded in Leicester last September, culminating in the death of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli following a violent attack in Franklin Park, just a short distance from his home. The incident involved a 15-year-old boy, who was 14 at the time of the attack, and a 13-year-old girl, both of whom have been convicted of manslaughter by a jury at Leicester Crown Court.
On the evening of September 1, Mr Kohli was with his dog, Rocky, when he was approached by the boy and the girl. The court heard that the boy attacked Mr Kohli, striking him with a 'slider' sandal and racially abusing him as he knelt on the ground. The attack was filmed on a mobile phone by the girl, who was alleged to have encouraged the violence. Both defendants have been unnamed due to their ages.
Following the savage assault, the boy was found hiding in a bush by the police in the early hours of the following day. He had reportedly written a letter expressing regret for his actions, linking his violent outburst to personal troubles stemming from a recent breakup with a girlfriend. During the trial, he described his emotions, stating: "I was struggling with that so I kind of just needed anger etc releasing." He further added, "I didn't mean to batter him. It was one hit and then my anger turned in. I regret it man, I do," as he expressed remorse after being charged.
The attack resulted in Mr Kohli suffering severe injuries, including a spinal cord injury, and he died the next day in hospital. In response to the attack, Susan Kohli, his daughter, made a poignant statement outside the court, describing her father's character and the void left in their lives, highlighting his dedication to family and community ties.
The court proceedings revealed the boy's troubled background, having been raised in a council estate by his unemployed mother, where cannabis use was reportedly prevalent amongst neighbours. The jury listened to testimonies from those who had known him, with some expressing shock at his descent into violence, given that he had previously been known as a football-loving teenager, described fondly as 'mini Vardy' after the Leicester City forward.
Prosecutors stated that the girl was complicit in the attack, indicating that she had targeted Mr Kohli. Evidence presented included footage from her mobile phone that allegedly depicted a series of violent acts she had recorded in the past. The girl had previously been regarded as respectful by her neighbours, yet her behaviour appeared to have changed as she became more involved with the boy.
As the trial concluded, the jury deliberated for several hours before returning a verdict of manslaughter against both defendants. The boy was remanded in custody, while the girl was released on conditional bail. Sentencing for both will occur on 19 and 20 May.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski from Leicestershire Police expressed the community's shock at the attack, describing Mr Kohli as a beloved grandfather and highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. He noted the broader implications of such violence, particularly when involving youth. The case has raised questions about societal influences on young people and the consequences of violent behaviour stemming from social environments.
Source: Noah Wire Services