Andre Wright-Walters, 38, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for the manslaughter of James Gbadamosi, 67. The fatal incident occurred on August 24 of last year in Balham, south-west London.
Gbadamosi had reportedly told a child to stop riding a Lime e-scooter on the pavement. This intervention led to a confrontation with a woman, who then called her boyfriend, Wright-Walters. Upon arrival, Wright-Walters engaged with Gbadamosi, and the altercation resulted in the victim being punched twice in the face. The force of the blows knocked Gbadamosi to the ground, causing him to strike his head on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital but died two weeks later on September 5.
Wright-Walters denied the charge of manslaughter but was convicted by a jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. His partner, Carla Brenton, 31, who had called Wright-Walters, was cleared of manslaughter.
During the trial, the prosecution stated that Gbadamosi had simply advised the child against riding on the pavement. A witness described the exchange as similar to a grandfather speaking sternly to a grandchild. The judge, Rajeev Shetty, noted that Gbadamosi's behavior was not unusual and that the child posed a danger to pedestrians.
Wright-Walters claimed in a prepared statement that Gbadamosi had been aggressive and had approached him, making him fear an assault. However, the judge rejected this version of events, stating that Wright-Walters' actions were an overreaction, influenced by anger, likely exacerbated by his partner.
In a statement read at the sentencing, Gbadamosi's family described him as an affable, funny, intelligent, and caring man whose loss has left an unfillable void. They welcomed the verdict and thanked the police for their work in bringing the case to justice.
Wright-Walters was sentenced to five years and six months but will serve just over three years before being released on license. The court also noted that cocaine was found at the couple's home during their arrest following the incident.