Uxbridge teenager killed neighbour, 44, with single punch to the neck before fleeing London

A teenager has been convicted of killing his 44-year-old neighbour with a single punch following a heated argument. A spat broke out between Jimmy McDonagh, 18, and John Cavanagh at a house in Dawley Avenue, Uxbridge on the evening of March 4 last year, the Old Bailey heard.

One punch to the neck caused John to fall to the floor. It was later discovered to have caused severe internal injuries leading to his death. McDonagh was tracked down and arrested the following day

He was transferred to Hounslow Police Station where he was interviewed four times before being charged with murder on March 8. The charge was later amended to manslaughter.

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McDonagh has been convicted of manslaughter on Wednesday, January 15 following a trial which lasted a little over a week.

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."

Sentencing is due to take place on March 7 at the Old Bailey.

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