A man who befriended and then fatally assaulted a pensioner before stealing his car has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Edgaras Motiejunas, 24, of no fixed address, was convicted of manslaughter and theft at the Old Bailey on 30 September and sentenced today (Tuesday, 3 December).
Incident Details
The victim, 68-year-old Elvaras Simanatis, originally from Lithuania, died from a head injury after being punched by Motiejunas on 16 October 2023. Following the assault in Boundary Lane, East London, Elvaras fell, hitting his head on the pavement, which caused a severe brain bleed. He was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on 25 October.
Discovery and Arrest
Police were initially called to reports of someone interfering with a car on Boundary Lane. Officers found Motiejunas at the scene and arrested him for possession of a stolen car key. Further investigation revealed the vehicle belonged to Elvaras, who had been assaulted earlier that day.
