Bhim Kholi Murder Suspect ‘Had to Release Anger’, Court Hears

Teen Murder Accused ‘Needed Anger Releasing’ Before Fatal Attack, Court Told

By Jason King

A teenage boy accused of murdering 80-year-old Bhim Kohli admitted in messages that he “didn’t mean to batter him” but lost control after throwing the first punch, a court has heard.

Jurors heard the boy was struggling with feelings of social disempowerment after his girlfriend had dumped him and had described “needing anger etc releasing” in a letter written after his arrest. In the letter, addressed to a professional working with him, he admitted: “I accept I did it and I’m doing time, I’m just scared about how long I have to do.”

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The 15-year-old, who cannot be named, is on trial at Leicester Crown Court accused of killing Mr Kohli in an attack in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, on 1 September last year. The pensioner died the next day from spinal cord damage.

Prosecutors allege the boy, wearing a balaclava, launched an “intense” and racially aggravated attack, kicking and punching Mr Kohli before slapping him with a slider shoe while he was on his knees.

A 12-year-old girl, accused of manslaughter, is alleged to have filmed the attack while laughing. She denies the charge.

In messages sent after the attack, the boy admitted responsibility, telling one contact: “I did that.” He later wrote: “I didn’t mean to batter him. It was one hit and then my anger turned in.”

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The trial continues.

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