Man jailed after pleading guilty to manslaughter

A man who befriended a pensioner before punching him, resulting in his death, has been jailed.

Edgaras Motiejunas, 24 (29.08.00) of no fixed address appeared at the Old Bailey today (Tuesday, 3 December), following his conviction at the same court on 30 September.

He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

The case involved the death of a 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”