Jury finds Derby boy guilty of killing 82-year-old Dennis Clarke

A teenage boy has been found guilty of killing 82-year-old Dennis Clarke with just a single punch at Derby bus station in May last year.

After deliberating for four hours, a jury at Derby Crown Court today (Tuesday 18 July) found Omar Moumeche, of James Close, guilty to a single count of Manslaughter.

Officers were called to reports of an assault at Derby bus station, in the Morledge, at around 4.30pm on Thursday 6 May 2021.

Mr Clarke suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he tragically died nine days later, having never recovered from those injuries.

During the week-long trial it was heard how Mr Clarke had been surrounded by a group of three teenagers he had allegedly challenged after it was believed they had been messing with an escalator at The Eagle Market.

He was then followed to Derby bus station, where the incident happened.

Detective Inspector Mark Shaw, who led the investigation into Mr Clarke’s death, 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 have 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 trial and have acted it with absolute dignity both throughout the trial and including at the time the guilty verdict was returned and I thank them for that.”

The 18-year-old, who was 16 at the time of the offence, is due to be sentenced later this year, on Friday 29 September.

No further action is being taken against two other teenage boys who were arrested at the time in connection with the same incident.