Fatal incident in Beaumont Park
Leicester residents have been left reeling after a violent episode in Beaumont Park resulted in the death of a local man. On Monday 6 April, 62-year-old James McKeown suffered a single punch to the face which caused him to fall and strike his head; he later died at the Royal Leicester Infirmary.
Defendant's background and court admission
The attacker, Joshua Moore, 34, admitted manslaughter at Leicester Crown Court on 2 July. Court reports state Moore was seen riding a quad bike in the park at what witnesses described as "too fast" shortly before the confrontation. Video evidence shown at the sentencing hearing recorded by Moore's partner captured the aftermath of the incident and later formed part of the prosecution material.
How events unfolded
- Moore and Mr McKeown encountered one another in Beaumont Park; three minutes after the victim entered the park he was struck.
- The single blow caused Mr McKeown to fall and hit his head, leaving him unconscious and bleeding.
- Members of the public attempted CPR as the man lay unresponsive; he was taken to hospital and died later that evening.
- Moore left the scene, returned home, tried a closed police station and then came back to the cordon where he admitted, according to reports: "I hit him… I slapped him."
"You are a big man, you are a muscular man, you must have considerably worked out over the years. You are a powerful man,"
Those words were used by the sentencing judge, Judge Timothy Spencer KC, who on Moore's 34th birthday imposed a custodial sentence of five years and nine months. The court was told Moore had been released from custody just two years prior to the attack and had previous convictions, including a burglary in 2016 involving a punch that fractured the victim's bones, for which he received eight years' imprisonment.
Impact on family and community
Tributes have been paid to Mr McKeown as "kind" and "generous". The sentencing hearing was distressing for relatives; some family members left the courtroom when a nine-second video showing a member of the public performing CPR was played. The clip also contained audible remarks that the man had no pulse. Prosecutors highlighted that the video had been sent to Moore on Snapchat at 6.24pm and deleted at 6.37pm before he returned to the park to make admissions.
| Key times | Reported action |
|---|---|
| Shortly before incident | Moore seen riding quad bike "too fast" in park |
| Three minutes after entry | Mr McKeown struck and fell, hitting his head |
| Evening (6.24pm) | Video of CPR sent to Moore on Snapchat |
| Evening (6.37pm) | Video deleted; Moore later returned to cordon and admitted involvement |
Leicestershire Police recorded that Moore had prioritised arranging personal matters — including cancelling a tattoo appointment — over contacting emergency services in the immediate aftermath. The sentence handed down reflects both the seriousness of the outcome and Moore's previous convictions.
Questions for local safety and policing
The case has prompted renewed attention to safety in Leicester's parks and the role of bystanders and emergency response. While the court has delivered its verdict and sentence, community members and local authorities may consider whether further measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies, to support the victim's family and to reassure park users.
The death of Mr McKeown has brought a personal loss to his family and a stark reminder to residents about the consequences of violence on public streets and in green spaces that many consider safe. The court's determination and the custodial sentence provide a legal conclusion, but the wider community impact will continue to be felt in Leicester.
