A man who launched a fatal random attack on a shopper outside a south London supermarket is set for a lengthy prison sentence after admitting manslaughter.
Fatal Altercation Outside Supermarket
Demiesh Williams, 29, from Croydon, assaulted 43-year-old Andrew Clark outside a Sainsbury's store in Beckenham on the evening of March 16. The violent incident, which police described as a random altercation not involving a weapon, left Mr Clark with severe head injuries.
Emergency services, including paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and a trauma team from London's Air Ambulance, rushed to Upper Elmers End Road just after 8:20pm. Mr Clark was treated at the scene before being taken by road to a major trauma centre. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries three days later.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Williams was initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. Following Mr Clark's death, the charge was upgraded to murder. However, when he appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, Williams denied murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The prosecution accepted his plea to manslaughter. Williams is now due to be sentenced back at the same court on December 12, where he is expected to receive a custodial sentence lasting several years.
Community Reaction and Investigation
Liam Conlon, the MP for Beckenham and Penge, praised the Metropolitan Police's "swift response in identifying and apprehending the suspect". He offered his condolences to the victim's family, stating: "I would like to offer my condolences to the victim's family and loved ones at this difficult time and have offered my support to them and the police."
A Sainsbury's spokesman confirmed the store was temporarily closed to assist the police investigation but clarified that the attack was not connected to any staff members. The investigation into the precise circumstances of the altercation is now complete following the guilty plea.
