Man convicted of manslaughter over fatal Balham e-bike row punch
Andre Wright-Walters, 38, was found guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for the death of James Gbadamosi, 67.
Andre Wright-Walters, 38, has been convicted of manslaughter for fatally punching pensioner James Gbadamosi, 67, in Balham High Street. The incident on August 24, 2025, followed Mr Gbadamosi reprimanding a youth for riding an electric bike at speed near pedestrians. Mr Gbadamosi died in hospital 12 days after the attack. Wright-Walters was found guilty on October 29 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
The court heard that Wright-Walters, of Este Road, Battersea, threw a punch at Mr Gbadamosi after the pensioner had spoken to a young person about their e-bike use. Mr Gbadamosi fell to the ground, hitting his head. Police were called to the scene around 3.40pm and found him with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
Mr Gbadamosi's family described him as an “affable, funny, intelligent and caring man” who brought people together. In a statement, they said his loss had left a void that could never be filled, particularly for his husband. They added that his death had changed their lives forever.
Wright-Walters was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a Class A drug, to which he later pleaded guilty. Following Mr Gbadamosi's death, Wright-Walters was arrested again on September 6, 2025, on suspicion of murder. This charge was later altered to manslaughter.
Carla Brenton, 31, of Pier Road, Bexley, was also charged in connection with the incident. However, a jury found her not guilty of manslaughter.
Detective Inspector Sarah Philippe, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, stated that while no conviction could bring Mr Gbadamosi back, the verdict offered a measure of closure. She paid tribute to Mr Gbadamosi's family for their support throughout the investigation as they continue to process their loss.
Questions this report answers
01Who was convicted of manslaughter and why?
Andre Wright-Walters, 38, was convicted of manslaughter for fatally punching James Gbadamosi, 67, in Balham High Street on August 24, 2025. The conviction followed an incident where Mr Gbadamosi had reprimanded a youth for riding an e-bike too fast.
02When and where did the incident occur?
The fatal incident took place on Balham High Street, south London, on August 24, 2025. Mr Gbadamosi died in hospital 12 days later.
03What was the outcome for Carla Brenton?
Carla Brenton was charged in connection with the incident but was found not guilty of manslaughter by the jury at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
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