Boy, 16, in court over Ealing riot murder

Richard Bowes, 68, died on Thursday after being assaulted during the disturbances in Ealing, west London, last Monday. (PA)

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

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

The accused teen, from Hounslow, was remanded in custody as he appeared before magistrates alongside his mother, who is accused of perverting the course of justice.

The teenager, who appeared in the dock in a black T-shirt with his arms crossed, has also been 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.

District Judge Robert Hunter adjourned the case to be heard by a Central Criminal Court judge on Thursday.

The Croydon magistrates' courtroom was packed with journalists as both the boy and his 31-year-old mother were denied bail.

Mr Bowes, who lived alone in Haven Green, Ealing, was placed on a life-support machine following the attack, which took place as violence spread through the capital, but died later.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries.

On Saturday night around 100 people attended a vigil organised by churches in Ealing in Mr Bowes's memory.

It came a day after Ealing Council flew the Union Flag over its town hall at half-mast as a mark of respect.

PA