Omar Moumeche, an 18-year-old resident of James Close in Derby, has been sentenced to two years in youth detention after being found guilty of manslaughter. The tragic incident occurred at Derby bus station on May 6, 2021, when Moumeche delivered a fatal single punch to 82-year-old Dennis Clarke.
Police were alerted to the assault at approximately 4.30pm, as reports came in from witnesses at the bus station. Mr. Clarke sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically passed away nine days later without recovering from his injuries.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mr. Clarke had encountered a group of three teenagers whom he had allegedly challenged due to their alleged misconduct on an escalator in the Derbion centre. The confrontation escalated, leading to the incident at the bus station.
Detective Inspector Mark Shaw, who led the investigation into Mr Clarke’s death, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by CCTV footage and witness testimonies during the trial. Moumeche claimed that he acted in self-defence, but the jury, after careful consideration, rejected his version of events.
Speaking about the impact of the case, DI Shaw acknowledged the devastating effects on both Mr. Clarke’s family and Moumeche himself. He emphasised the importance of non-violent resolutions and urged people to pause and consider before resorting to such acts.
The family of Dennis Clarke displayed remarkable dignity throughout the entire criminal process, and DI Shaw commended them for their conduct. He expressed hope that they can now focus on cherishing their fond memories of Dennis and move forward.
It is important to note that no further action is being taken against the two other teenage boys who were arrested in connection with the same incident.
