Family of manslaughter victim release tribute

Following today’s sentencing, the family of James McKeown have released the below tribute:

“Jim was a kind, generous, gentle man who had worked all his life and was finally enjoying his well-earned retirement. He lived by the belief that tomorrow is never guaranteed, so you must live for today, and the actions of Mr Moore brought that into reality.

“On Monday 6 April 2026, Jim was walking home after a bank holiday spent doing what he loved; playing golf, and sharing a couple of drinks with friends at a pub. At 5.20 pm, he called his partner Lesley, saying, "I'm just going to have one more, then I'll be home," but Jim never arrived.

“The trauma and devastation that happened to Jim will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We still cannot understand why Mr Moore chose to act as he did. From the direction Jim was walking, we know he was trying to reach the main road, a clear sign he was uncomfortable with what was happening. To get home, he would have continued straight down the path, not turn where the killing took place. Jim did not like confrontation. He was not an aggressive man. He was trying to get home.

“The hardest part for us as a family is knowing that this tragedy was entirely avoidable. Jim wasn’t looking for trouble; he wasn’t provoking anyone; he was trying to get home. Mr Moore's decision to attack him set off a chain of events that none of us can undo. It took away Jim’s chance to live for today, and it took away our chance to have him here with us, where he should still be.

“Mr Moore did take some responsibility for handing himself in and pleading guilty, but throughout the court hearings he showed no genuine remorse. He did not once apologise for the crime he committed. Instead, he pulled faces when he disagreed with what was said, and he made phone gestures towards friends and family in the public gallery. The sentence given to Mr Moore will never be enough to bring Jim back or undo the pain caused.

James 'Jim' McKeown

“We want to express our deepest thanks to the two individuals who supported and resuscitated Jim at the scene, ensuring he was not alone and frightened in his final moments of life. Your efforts weren’t in vain; there were signs of life, but the damage to his brain was catastrophic, and he sadly passed away.  

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to Leicestershire Police for their support and dedication throughout the investigation.

“Jim was a loving father, devoted partner to Lesley, grandfather, brother, friend, and a man who brought warmth and positivity wherever he went. Our lives are forever changed.”