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One punch leads to man being convicted of manslaughter

A chance encounter in a park which led to a defenceless man being punched has resulted in the perpetrator pleading guilty to manslaughter.


In April this year James McKeown, also known as Jim, was found lying on the ground in Beaumont Park, Beaumont Leys by a member of the public.


He had suffered from a head injury and sadly passed away a short time later



Initial enquiries at the scene revealed that Jim had been walking home from a nearby pub when he was assaulted by Joshua Moore who was riding a quad bike in the park with a young child.


Moore confronted 62-year-old Jim and punched him in the face which resulted in him falling to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.


Moore placed Jim in the recovery position then left the park making no attempt to contact the emergency services.


More than an hour later, 33-year-old Moore of Fowler Close, Beaumont Leys, approached an officer on the cordon and admitted assaulting Jim.


After initially being arrested for attempted murder, he was further arrested on suspicion of murder after Jim passed away.


After an examination of Moore’s mobile telephone, it was clear he thought it was more important to sort out his affairs before contacting the police or the ambulance service; going as far as cancelling a tattoo appointment he had the next day.


At a hearing today (Thursday 2 July) Moore pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is due to be sentenced on Friday 31 July.




Senior Investigating Officer pays tribute to family of man killed in manslaughter case


Detective Inspector Kevin Hames from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Murder Investigation Team, said: “Sadly, this is a tragic death that could have been avoided.  Moore had a choice that day and should have walked away, without using any violence, Jim posed no threat to him.


“His actions have now left a family devastated at the loss of their loved one.  The fact that he didn’t make any attempt to contact the emergency services following the incident shows exactly what type of man he is.  He placed Jim in the recovery position and clearly saw the injuries he had caused but that didn’t stop him from riding away, returning home to organise his affairs before handing himself in. Notwithstanding this was a totally unprovoked attack, Joshua Moore should not have been riding a quad bike in the park in the first place.


“While we are pleased that Moore has admitted to being responsible for Jim’s death, there are certainly no winners in the case. 


“Jim’s family now face a life without him, and nothing can replace the feeling of that loss.  They have shown immense bravery throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.  This has in no way been easy for them.


“Moore now faces a lengthy term in prison, and I hope it gives him the opportunity to reflect on his actions.


“I would also like to thank the community of West Leicester for there support in the investigation and thank the members of the community who unlike Joshua Moore, stopped to provide care to Jim”


In November 2023 the force launched the Walk Away campaign which is aimed at empowering men to look out for the early behaviours in themselves and their friends, which might lead to altercations.


We want to encourage peer groups to support each other in making different choices and encourage individuals to recognise those personal trigger points.



Leicestershire Police News Published : 13:00 02/07/2026




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