Man who killed neighbour, 74, in gate row jailed

A man has been jailed for 12 years for killing his elderly neighbour in a row over shutting a gate.

Trevor Gocan, 57, punched and kicked James "Jim" O'Neill, 74, on 6 October 2024 outside their housing estate in Covent Garden, central London, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury.

Mr O'Neill died in hospital two weeks later.

Gocan was convicted of manslaughter by a jury on 1 May , and must serve two-thirds of his 12-year sentence in custody before he can be considered for release on licence.

Southwark Crown Court heard on Thursday how the two men exchanged words after Gocan left a gate open on the estate.

CCTV showed the confrontation lasted less than 90 seconds before Mr O'Neill was left on the ground with serious injuries.

Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC said told Gocan: "You did not need to defend yourself - the truth is, you lost your temper and control.

"In his shorts and Crocs, he presented no serious threat. Had you genuinely felt threatened, you could have walked away."

Judge Hales said the attack, which included a punch and two kicks, carried a "high risk" of causing grievous bodily harm or death.

Mr O'Neill's widow, Sara, said she had been left "completely devastated" and haunted by nightmares.

"Jim was not only my husband for 49 years but my soulmate," she said in a victim impact statement.

"I struggle to sleep and have recurring nightmares witnessing the love of my life bleeding on the floor."

Mrs O'Neill said she had put their home up for sale and did not leave the flat for weeks after the attack.

In a letter read aloud in court, Gocan said he felt remorse and regret for the attack.

"I failed my children, religion, myself, and above all Mr O'Neill," he said.

Judge Hales told him: "I am satisfied that Mr O'Neill's death was caused in an unlawful act falling just short of GBH.

"You told the jury you dialled 999 - your phone bore no trace of this call. The truth is you did absolutely nothing."

Gocan, who wore grey prison-issue sweatpants, showed no emotion as the sentence was passed.

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