Boy, 14, charged with murder after ‘kind’ grandad, 80, ‘kicked to death in park while walking dog’

A BOY, 14, has been charged with murder after a "kind" grandad was allegedly kicked to death in a park while walking his dog.

Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, was just seconds from home when he was allegedly attacked near Leicester on September 1.

Police have now charged a 14-year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, with murder.

He will appear at Leicester Youth Court on Thursday morning.

Andrew Baxter, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police and has authorised a charge of murder against a 14-year-old boy in relation to the death of Bhim Sen Kohli.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Five youths including a girl, 14, and two 12-year-old girls were initially arrested on suspicion of murder but were later released "with no further action".

The tragedy unfolded close to the entrance of Franklin Park at around 6.30pm.

The allotment-loving dog walker was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn't be saved and died the following evening.

It comes as a post mortem examination revealed the pensioner's cause of death was "a neck injury".

Now, his heartbroken family have paid tribute to him with a moving statement, it read: “Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He was also a son, brother and uncle.

"He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.

“He has always been a very hardworking man and even at the age of 80 he was still very active. One of his great passions was his allotment, he would go everyday to tend to his plots and was so proud of them. He also enjoyed walking the family dog Rocky on the park many times a day.

“Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker of the family and always loved to outsmart us with a smile.

"Our family have lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years, so he was very well known in the community – we have been overwhelmed by the messages and support from many who knew him.

“Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to try and support each other through the most difficult time imaginable and would ask for privacy while we do this.”

Before he died, Bhim's daughter told the Leicester Mercury: "He had been taking the dog for a walk.

"He was about 30 seconds away from getting home. He's always been very active - he has three allotments. We've lived here for 40 years."

Locals residents have paid tribute to Bhim, who was originally from India.

One pal said: "Bhim was my friend and we had our allotments next to each other.

"He lived to attend his allotment and grew amazing veg and was not threat to anyone.

"A kind and considerate man. If anyone has and information please pass it onto the police. May he rest in peace."

Neighbour Deep Singh Kalia, 70, added: "He was such a lovely guy. It is a horrible shock. I would meet up with him every day.

"We were both originally from the Punjab in India. He loved his allotment, and loved his dog, and loved his family.

"He used to own a factory that made jumpers and cardigans. He was very fit because he worked on his allotment all the time.

"I don’t know why anyone would have wanted to do something like this to him. 

"He was just a very nice man who wouldn’t have done anything to provoke this.

";He was joking all the time. I don’t know anyone who had a problem with him. 

"I have been to see his wife. He was very popular and a lot of people are coming to say sorry."

Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to "prior contact" between officers and Mr Kohli.