Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A teenager has been convicted of the manslaughter of his neighbour in west London following a rapid investigation by Met detectives.
Jimmy McDonagh, 18 (29.01.06) of Dawley Avenue, Uxbridge, was found guilty after a single punch to the neck killed 44-year-old John Cavanagh.
It follows a trial which lasted just over a week at the Old Bailey.
Police launched an investigation following an argument between the two men at a house in Dawley Avenue, at around 20:10hrs on Monday, 4 March 2024.
The punch caused John to fall to the floor and it was later found it caused severe internal injuries leading to his death.
Quick work by Met detectives lead to the arrest of McDonagh in the Ilkestone area of Derbyshire the following day.
He was transferred to Hounslow Police Station where he was interviewed under caution on four separate occasions before being charged with murder on Friday, 8 March.
The charge was later amended to manslaughter by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Detective Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, leading the investigation, said:
“John’s family have had an agonising wait to be able to hear the full evidence in this case, and while nothing will ease the pain they continue to live with, I hope this verdict provides some sense of justice for them.
“They have listened to witnesses, watched CCTV and seen the evidence of McDonagh who denied manslaughter, saying he acted in self-defence, but the Jury did not believe McDonagh’s account and have found him guilty.
“I would like to pay testament to the jury and my team’s determination and commitment to see justice is done during this hugely difficult investigation and trial.”
McDonagh was convicted on Wednesday, 15 January.
Sentencing is due to take place on 7 March 2025 at the Old Bailey.