A teenager has been found guilty of manslaughter after the death of his neighbor in West London following an argument last year.

Jimmy McDonagh, 18, of Dawley Avenue, Uxbridge, was convicted at the Old Bailey after a trial lasting just over a week. The court heard how a single punch to the neck killed 44-year-old John Cavanagh on the evening of March 4, 2024.

The incident occurred after an argument at a house on Dawley Avenue. A punch from McDonagh caused Mr. Cavanagh to fall to the floor, leading to severe internal injuries that proved fatal. Mr. Cavanagh succumbed to his injuries later that night.

Metropolitan Police detectives acted quickly, arresting McDonagh in Ilkestone, Derbyshire, the day after the incident. He was taken to Hounslow Police Station and interviewed under caution on four separate occasions. Initially charged with murder, the charge was later amended to manslaughter by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who led the investigation, said:
“John’s family have had an agonising wait to hear the full evidence in this case, and while nothing will ease the pain they continue to live with, I hope this verdict provides some sense of justice for them. They have listened to witnesses, watched CCTV, and seen the evidence of McDonagh, who denied manslaughter, claiming he acted in self-defense. The jury did not believe McDonagh’s account and have found him guilty.”

McDonagh was convicted on Wednesday, January 15, and is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on March 7, 2025.