Girl, 12, charged with manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli

A 12-year-old school girl has been charged with manslaughter following the murder of a pensioner in Leicestershire.

Bhim Kohil, 80, died in hospital after he was attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town near his home in September.

On Monday, Leicestershire Police said in a statement: “A 12-year-old girl has been charged following the death of Bhim Kohli in September.

“The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with manslaughter and is due to appear at Leicester Youth Court sitting at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today.”

A 15-year-old boy charged with Mr Kohli’s murder three days after the incident on September 2 is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court later this week.

An inquest last month was told a trial will start in February next year. The preliminary cause of death had previously been given as a neck injury, pending further tests.

The retired factory owner and grandfather was described as a “gentle” man who enjoyed tending to his allotment.

Speaking before his death, Mr Kohli’s daughter told LeicestershireLive he was only “seconds” away from his home when the incident took place.

“He had been taking the dog for a walk. He was about 30 seconds away from getting home when he was attacked. He was lying under the tree and at first he was complaining about his neck and now he’s not able to move his legs.

“He’s always been very active – he has three allotments. We’ve lived here for 40 years and just recently there’s been a lot of anti-social behaviour, which has been reported to the police.”

Following his death, his family said in a statement: “Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He was also a son, brother and uncle.

“He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them.

“He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.