Teenager in court over riots murder

A 16-year-old boy will appear at the Old Bailey today accused of murdering a pensioner while on a looting rampage at the London riots.

Richard Bowes, 68, died last Thursday after being punched to the ground during widespread violence in Ealing, west London, four days before.

The boy will appear by videolink to allow him to make a bail application after he was remanded by magistrates earlier this week.

The teenager, from Hounslow, west London, cannot be identified for legal reasons.

He is also charged with violent disorder and four counts of burglary - relating to looting at a William Hill bookmakers, a Tesco Express, a Blockbusters video shop and a Fatboys restaurant.

He appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court with his mother, who was also remanded in custody accused of perverting justice by disposing of the boy's clothing.

Mr Bowes, who lived alone in Haven Green, Ealing, was attacked as he went to put out a fire in a dustbin.

He was placed on a life-support machine but died later. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries.

Around 100 people attended a vigil organised by churches in Ealing in Mr Bowes's memory, and a Union Flag was lowered to half-mast on the town hall as a mark of respect.