Pensioner, 67, was beaten to death after 'telling a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement': Man, 38, is convicted of manslaughter

A 67-year-old pensioner was beaten to death after telling a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement, a court has heard. Andre 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. Mr Gbadamosi smashed his head on the pavement and was rushed to hospital. He died two weeks later on September 5. Yesterday, a jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court convicted Wright-Walters of manslaughter, after hearing how he had claimed the pensioner was aggressive towards him first. Prosecutor Ben Holt earlier said: 'The incident took place a little after 3pm. Mr Gbadamosi was with his partner outside Costa Coffee on Balham High Road and became upset about a young boy cycling a Lime bike on the pavement. 'He told him he shouldn't be on the pavement and should be on the road and then had an exchange with a woman who said: "You think you're a big man shouting at a child." 'She walked away and sat down on a bench and made a telephone call. She called this defendant.' He continued: 'Later Mr Wright-Walters walked to Balham High Road with a child on his shoulders. Pensioner James Gbadamosi (pictured) was beaten to death in Balham on August 24 last year, after telling a child not to ride a Lime bike on the pavement Andre Wright-Walters (pictured) was convicted of manslaughter by a jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Wednesday'He put the child down on the pavement and confronted [Mr Gbadamosi]. 'Reference was made to the interaction with the woman and the child and the defendant punched and slapped Mr Gbadamosi and then he punched him twice in the face, knocking him to the floor and he hit his head on the pavement. 'Mr Wright-Walters and the woman left the scene.' Wright-Walters and the woman were arrested three days later on August 27. Police searched their home and found cocaine. Mr Holt continued: 'In interview, Mr Wright-Walters gave a prepared statement where he said the other man was immediately aggressive, getting into his personal space, and he thought he was going to be assaulted. 'He said the other man seemed to want a fight, he said he was walking backwards and Mr Gbadamosi was walking towards him. 'He said the other man was much taller and he had not attended the area to fight anyone.' Wright-Walters, of Greenwich, southeast London, was convicted of manslaughter by a jury after a trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. Wright-Walters will be sentenced next Tuesday, November 3. In a tribute to the victim, James Gbadamosi's family said: 'The family welcome the verdict and thank the police for their hard work in bringing those responsible to justice. 'James was a huge part of our family and his loss has left a void that can never truly be filled. He was loved by so many, especially his husband, who has lost his beloved partner and the future they had hoped to share together. 'An affable, funny, intelligent and caring man, James brought people together and had a genuine interest in others. He will be remembered for his warmth, humour, kindness and the countless friendships he made throughout his life. 'His death has changed our lives forever, and we will feel his absence in countless ways for the rest of our lives. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support and sympathy during this difficult time. James was loved beyond measure and will never be forgotten. We will carry him in our hearts always.' Detective Inspector Sarah Philippe, who led the Met's investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain with James' family as they continue to come to terms with this devastating loss. 'While no conviction can ever bring James back to his loved ones or undo the pain and suffering caused by his death, we hope today's verdict provides them with a measure of closure and a sense that justice has been served. 'Throughout this investigation, our focus has been on securing answers for James' family, and I would like to pay tribute to them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.'