Man admits supermarket row killing

A man has admitted killing an innocent bystander after a queue-jumping row in a supermarket.

Tony Virasami, 38, killed 57-year-old engineer Kevin Tripp with a single blow in a case of mistaken identity.

His girlfriend Antoinette Richardson, 37, allegedly called Virasami for help after a row with another shopper at the Sainsbury's store in Colliers Wood, southwest London, on June 6 this year.

When Virasami intervened he wrongly picked out Mr Tripp, who suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, and struck him with his open palm. The victim died four days later.

Virasami admitted manslaughter at the Old Bailey after the prosecution agreed to drop a charge of murder.

The family of the victim, who leaves behind a five-year-old daughter, left the court in distress after the decision.

Judge David Paget QC said: "Whatever may be said about how it happened, in the end it was one blow and not with a weapon.

"This was a tragic incident. It was clearly a tragic mistake that Mr Tripp was fatally injured.'"

Richardson is still charged with manslaughter and may face a trial next year.

Both defendants, of Sedgehill Road, Catford, southeast London, appeared in the dock of court. Virasami will remain in custody while Richardson has been granted bail.

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