A man has admitted to killing a 62-year-old grandfather with a single punch in a park in Leicestershire.
James McKeown, also known as Jim, died in hospital after he was found injured in Beaumont Leys Park in Leicester on 6 April by a member of the public, Leicestershire Police said.
Appearing at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, Joshua Moore, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter.
Mr McKeown had been walking home from a nearby pub when he was assaulted by Moore who was riding a quad bike in the park with a young child, the force said.
Moore confronted Mr McKeown and punched him in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
He put the victim in the recovery position and left the park, making no attempt to call for help.
About an hour later, Moore approached a police officer at the cordon and told him what he had done.
An examination of Moore’s phone found he spent the time sorting out his affairs instead of calling 999, even cancelling a tattoo appointment he had the next day.
Addressing Moore in the dock, Judge Timothy Spencer KC said: “That is a brave plea to have entered, I recognise that and you will get credit for that.
“But you have admitted unlawfully killing someone – that is extremely serious and you are looking at a prison sentence, but I will keep an open mind.”
The court adjourned the sentencing of Moore, of Fowler Close, Beaumont Leys, until July 31 to allow pre-sentence reports to be gathered.
In a statement released after his death, Mr McKeown’s family said he was well-known in the community where he had lived for nearly 20 years and many knew him as “Spider”.
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 their support in the investigation and thank the members of the community who, unlike Joshua Moore, stopped to provide care to Jim.”
