This is the horrific moment an 82-year-old veteran was punched to the ground and killed by a single punch to the head. Omar Moumeche, who was 16 at the time, attacked Dennis Clarke at Derby bus station on April 27, 2021, after Mr Clarke told off Moumeche and his friends for messing around on an escalator. Mr Clarke suffered a fractured skull as well as a bleed on the brain and died in hospital nine days after the assault.
Moumeche, now 18, was found guilty of manslaughter in July and was sentenced to two years in youth detention at Derby Crown Court on Friday. Moumeche, of Derby, fled the bus station but was arrested within minutes.
Detective Inspector Mark Shaw said: ‘Our investigation was assisted by the capture of CCTV footage and many witness accounts, all of which were presented during the trial. The defendant claimed he acted in self-defence, and the jury on the balance and high threshold required refused to accept his version of events. Dennis was a well-known and loved friend and family member. Dennis’ family were present throughout the hearings and have acted with absolute dignity both throughout the trial and including at the time the guilty verdict was returned and I thank them for that.
‘The tragic events of that day have had a devastating effect on both the families of Mr Clarke and of the defendant himself. ‘Mr Moumeches’ actions in that moment will have lasting effects both short term whilst he is serving his custodial sentence, and post-sentence as he tries to move forward. ‘I hope that this case will demonstrate how important it is to stop and take a moment before resolving any matters and avoid resorting to the level of violence and the consequences seen here. ‘I would like to express my thanks to the family of Mr Clarke for the dignity shown throughout the entire criminal process and hope they can look to move forward and now focus on their fond memories of Dennis.’
Andrew Baxter, from the CPS, said: ‘Dennis Clarke’s tragic death was the result of this young person’s intimidating and aggressive behaviour, refusing to back down and not knowing when to walk away. ‘Mr Clarke was within his rights to challenge the behaviour and had then gone about his business, assuming that the incident was concluded.
‘Moumeche chose to confront him at the bus station, behaving in an aggressive and intimidating way to a man in his 80s who posed no threat. He then threw a punch which led to the death of an elderly and innocent man, and a family grieving a much-loved family member and respected member of the community. I would like to offer everyone close to Dennis Clarke every sympathy for their loss.’
No further action was taken against two other teenage boys who were arrested at the time in connection with the attack.