Man found guilty of manslaughter following incident at bus stop
A man has been found guilty of killing a bus passenger during an incident at a stop in Wigston in October 2022.
Darren Bakewell, 62, of Bentinghouse Gardens, Leicester, was today (Monday 14 September) found guilty of the manslaughter of Christopher Pearson, 78, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.
He has been released on bail and is due to appear for sentencing on 9 October.
The incident happened just after 2pm on Saturday 15 October 2022 in Long Street, Wigston. Mr Pearson was getting off a bus which Bakewell was getting onto.
At the time of the incident, Mr Pearson said he had struggled to get off the bus as people were getting on and an exchange then took place. He said following this, Bakewell had assaulted him. Witnesses at the scene said they saw Bakewell punch Mr Pearson and push him.
As a result of the assault Mr Pearson fell backwards onto a low brick wall and metal railings.
The police were called and Bakewell provided an account to officers at the scene in which he admitted pushing Mr Pearson. Bakewell was issued with a community resolution at the scene by officers and verbally apologised to Mr Pearson.
Following the incident, Mr Pearson was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was discharged later that day.
However, he continued to experience significant pain at home, which affected his mobility and left him unable to lie comfortably in bed.
In the days that followed, Mr Pearson's pain persisted.
He saw a doctor on Monday 17 October, two days after the incident. The following day, his wife called an ambulance, and he was admitted to hospital, where clinicians identified complications arising from his injuries.
Tragically, Mr Pearson's condition continued to deteriorate during his hospital stay. He developed an infection that led to organ failure and, despite treatment, died in hospital on Tuesday 25 October.
Following Mr Pearson’s death, Bakewell was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He answered no comment in interview and provided a prepared statement stating he was acting in self-defence.
A post-mortem examination and further examinations concluded that Mr Pearson’s cause of death was sepsis, infection in his bone and fractures of his ribs and vertebra. It was therefore found that there was a link between the assault where the injuries were sustained and Mr Pearson’s death.
Detective Constable Rachael Lee said: “This is a devastating incident which should never have happened. The instant and thoughtless actions of Bakewell caused injuries which ultimately led to Mr Pearson’s death.
“My thoughts are with Mr Pearson’s family who have suffered the unimaginable and who have shown true dignity, patience and courage as this investigation has been brought to court. I truly thank them for this.
Because of the actions of Bakewell, they have lost someone who they loved and cared for deeply.
“One punch or one push can cause serious or fatal injuries.”
Darren Bakewell is due to be sentenced next month.
Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:30 14/09/2026
