An 18-year-old teenager from Derby, United Kingdom was sentenced on Friday, November 17, 2023, to two years in youth custody for the manslaughter of an 82-year-old army veteran.
The incident happened in May, 2021 when Omar Moumeche, then 16, confronted Dennis Clarke at the Eagle Market in Derby’s city center.
The altercation began after Clarke addressed Moumeche and his friends about their behavior blocking the escalator, particularly a member of his group walking up a down escalator. A security guard intervened, leading to Moumeche and friends being ejected from the market.
Clarke left and proceeded to the bus station, followed by Moumeche and his companions. A confrontation followed at the bus station, where Moumeche punched Clarke, causing him to fall and suffer a skull fracture. Clarke died nine days later due to the injuries sustained from the attack.
CCTV footage and witness accounts played a critical role in the trial, showing the events leading up to the fatal punch.
Evidence showed Moumeche and his friends following Clark, shouting insults, with some of them filming the argument on their mobile phones. The situation worsened at the bus station ticket office, where Clarke, surrounded by the group, was pushed and assaulted by the suspect.
The jury did not accept his claim of self-defense. Detective Inspector Mark Shaw, leading the investigation, emphasized the importance of restraint and avoiding violence, noting the devastating impact of the events on both Clarke’s and Moumeche’s families.