Man convicted of manslaughter after punching pensioner in south London

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 16:12 · Archive

Andre Wright-Walters, 38, was convicted of manslaughter after punching James Gbadamosi, 67, who died from head injuries.

Andre Wright-Walters, 38, has been convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. The incident occurred on 24 August 2025 in Balham, south London, when James Gbadamosi, 67, confronted a child riding an electric bike too fast along the pavement. Mr Gbadamosi was outside Costa Coffee on Balham High Road with his partner and told the youngster to ride on the road instead.

According to the prosecutor, a woman associated with the child responded by saying: 'You think you're a big man shouting at a child.' She then made a telephone call. Wright-Walters later arrived at the scene with a child on his shoulders, put the child down on the pavement and confronted Mr Gbadamosi. He punched the pensioner in the face, causing him to fall and strike his head on the pavement.

Police were called to reports of an assault at around 3.40pm. Officers found Mr Gbadamosi with life-threatening injuries and he was rushed to hospital. He died on 5 September 2025, twelve days after the attack.

Wright-Walters was arrested at his home on 27 August on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a Class A drug. He later pleaded guilty to the drug offence. The jury heard that Wright-Walters claimed the pensioner had been aggressive towards him first.

Mr Gbadamosi's family released a tribute describing him as 'affable, funny, intelligent and caring'. His husband lost 'his beloved partner and the future they had hoped to share together', the family said, adding that his death had 'changed their lives forever'.

How it is being reported

• Pensioner killed by punch after telling child to slow down on an e-bikeThe court heard how Mr Gbadamosi had been walking along Balham High Road on August 24 last year when he spotted a child riding an electric bike quickly along the pavement. He told the youngster to be careful, prompting an exchange which ultimately led to the fatal confrontation.Daily Express · 30 Oct, 11:09
• Pensioner, 67, was beaten to death after 'telling a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement': Man, 38, is convicted of manslaughterAndre Wright-Walters, 38, punched 67-year-old James Gbadamosi in the face twice and sent him flying to the ground in Balham, southwest London, on August 24 last year.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 09:48
• Man convicted of manslaughter after fatal punch attack on pensioner, 67, in south LondonJames Gbadamosi, 67, was attacked after he reprimanded a youth for riding an e-bike too fast around pedestriansEvening Standard · 29 Oct, 16:33

In this story: James Gbadamosi · Andre Wright-Walters · Balham · Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court · Metropolitan Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log