Teenager Denies Murder of 80-Year-Old Man in Leicestershire Park Attack

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to the murder of an 80-year-old man who was assaulted in a park located in Leicestershire. Bhim Kohli died on 2 September, the day after he was injured in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, while he was walking his dog. The boy, whose name cannot be disclosed due to legal restrictions concerning his age, is facing charges of both manslaughter and murder. He entered his not guilty plea to both charges at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday. A 12-year-old girl, whom police had announced on Monday was charged with manslaughter, also made a court appearance but did not enter a plea. Her plea hearing has been scheduled for 24 January. The boy is expected to begin his trial on 17 February and has been remanded into custody until a pre-trial hearing on 24 January. A family statement issued after Mr Kohli’s death characterized him as a “loving husband, dad and grandad” who “loved to laugh”.