A man who befriended a pensioner before punching him, resulting in his death, has been jailed.
Edgaras Motiejunas, 24, of no fixed address, appeared at the Old Bailey Tuesday following his conviction at the same court on 30 September.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
The case involved the death of 68-year-old Elvaras Simanatis from Lithuania.
On 16 October 2023, police were called to Boundary Lane, E13, following reports that a man was interfering with a car. Officers attended and arrested Motiejunas, who was found in possession of a stolen car key.
Officers on scene conducted enquiries and found that the car was stolen and belonged to a 68-year-old man who had been assaulted and taken to hospital earlier that day.
Following a thorough investigation, detectives were able to establish that Motiejunas had punched Elvaras before stealing his car. His head hit the pavement, causing a severe bleed to the brain.
Despite the best efforts of medics, Elvaras sadly died on 25 October. A post-mortem revealed that the cause of his death was a head injury caused by the punch.
On Monday, 30 September, Motiejunas pleaded guilty to manslaughter and theft of a motor vehicle.
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, said, “This was a shocking incident. Motiejunas befriended Elvaras, who was older and more vulnerable. He went on to assault him, causing him serious injuries, just in order to steal a car.
“Elvaras’ family and friends have suffered with the loss of a loved one and we have supported them throughout the investigation. Motiejunas now faces time in prison to reflect upon his violent actions”
