A man has been convicted of killing his 74-year-old neighbour after a violent row over shutting a gate. Trevor Gocan, 57, attacked James “Jim” O’Neill near their homes in Covent Garden, central London, punching and kicking him in front of members of the public, including children, around noon on October 6, 2024.
Mr. O’Neill suffered a bleed on the brain and serious rib injuries, dying in hospital nearly two weeks later on October 21. A post-mortem confirmed his death resulted from complications caused by the assault.
Gocan was arrested shortly after the attack when police located him in a nearby home. He claimed in court he acted in self-defence, but a jury at Southwark Crown Court found him guilty of manslaughter on May 1.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley condemned Gocan’s “disgraceful” actions, stating, “There was absolutely no excuse.” Gocan has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 26.
Man Guilty of Killing Neighbour Over Gate Dispute
