A man has been convicted of killing his 74-year-old neighbour in a row over shutting a gate, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Trevor Gocan, 57 (07.09.1967), of Odhams Walk, Covent Garden, guilty of manslaughter over the killing of Jim O’Neill.

The assault occurred in Odhams Walk, close to both men’s homes, on Sunday, 6 October, 2024. The victim died in hospital almost a fortnight later, on Monday, 21 October.

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.”

Around 12:00hrs on Sunday, 6 October, 2024, officers responded with the London Ambulance Service following reports that a man had been assaulted in Odhams Walk. Mr O’Neill was treated at the scene for multiple injuries. He was taken to hospital, where doctors established he was suffering from a bleed on the brain.

Police learned that the assailant had gone into a nearby house. There they found and arrested Gocan, who turned out to be a resident at the address.

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Jim O’Neill’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. In court, he claimed he acted in self-defence when he attacked Mr O’Neill, following a row over gate.

Gocan has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 26 June.