A MAN has appeared at the Old Bailey for the killing of 64-year-old Clifford Champion in East London who was trying to help a woman in need. Clifford (pictured) was beaten to the ground by a stranger after being followed on his way back from an all-night petrol-station where he had been trying to help a woman in need

A MAN has appeared at the Old Bailey for the killing of 64-year-old Clifford Champion in East London who was trying to help a woman in need.

Clifford (pictured) was beaten to the ground by a stranger after being followed on his way back from an all-night petrol-station where he had been to buy cigarettes and was trying to help a woman in need.

He never recovered from his head injuries and died three days later in hospital—a day before his 65th birthday on February 27.

His 24-year-old killer Sean Lucas pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared in the dock yesterday.

SENSELESS

“Clifford Champion was a loving dad and a devoted grandfather,” Det Ins Robert Pack, the man who tracked down the killer, said after the case.

“He was trying to help someone—but by a cruel twist of fate, his path crossed with Sean Lucas at the petrol station.”

He added: “This cowardly and senseless attack has devastated Mr Champion’s family.”

Clifford was talking to a woman who was begging, trying to help her, when Lucas approached and became aggressive, then followed him as he left the forecourt in Chingford to walk home at 3.30am and attacked him without provocation.

Lucas was remanded in custody until September 14 for sentence.