Richard Mannington Bowes, 68 who died after being punched to the ground during widespread violence and looting in Ealing

A 16-year-old boy accused of murdering a pensioner during the London riots has admitted looting four businesses.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at the Old Bailey but denied murder and violent disorder charges.

He admitted burglary on August 8 at William Hill, Tesco Express, Blockbuster and Fatboys Thai restaurant.

He was remanded in custody to face trial on March 12 along with his 31-year-old mother, who denied a count of perverting justice by concealing or destroying his clothes.

The pair, from west London, appeared in the dock together. They cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The mother was remanded on conditional bail.

Richard Mannington Bowes, 68, died on August 11, three days after being attacked while trying to put out a fire in a dustbin near his home in Haven Green, Ealing, during the rioting.

He was punched to the ground and suffered brain injury caused by his head hitting the pavement.

Around 100 people attended a vigil organised by churches in Ealing in Mr Bowes’ memory, and a Union Flag on the town hall was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.