Two brothers convicted over Christmas Day killing

Two brothers have been convicted after a man was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton on Christmas Day.

Trey Johnson, 30, died in the early hours of 25 December last year after suffering a single stab wound to his chest, West Midlands Police said.

Following a three-week trial, a jury found Richard Beckles, 19, guilty of murder and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. His brother, Tiego Beckles, 21, was convicted of manslaughter. They were both also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm following an earlier attack on Johnson.

They are due to be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 28 September.

Johnson went to an event at De Fusion nightclub in Exchange Street at about 02:15 GMT on Christmas Day. Police said he left about 45 minutes later and was attacked by the Beckles brothers.

The attack lasted about eight minutes, and Johnson was punched and kicked several times. He suffered serious injuries including a fracture to his left eye socket.

The brothers left the area in a Peugeot SUV and drove towards Burcot Avenue, according to police. Johnson got into his vehicle and travelled to the same place.

CCTV showed Richard Beckles, of Stafford Street in Walsall, getting out of the vehicle and chasing Johnson with a large knife, police said.

His brother, of Broadgate Way in Wolverhampton, went into a house and retrieved a large weapon before following his brother.

Richard Beckles then stabbed Johnson in the chest, and the brothers fled.

Their victim was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Det Insp Michelle Cordell, from the force's homicide unit, said the brothers "went on the run for several days before handing themselves in following a public appeal". They were arrested at Wolverhampton police station on 7 January.

Trey Johnson's family described him as a "devoted father, a beloved brother and a cherished son".

They said he was "known for his kindness" and "brought joy and laughter to those in his life and everyone he encountered".

"He carried a light that would brighten any room he walked into because of his smile," the family said.

Det Insp Cordell said the brothers' "actions were cowardly and heartless" and that the case showed the "devastating consequences of knife crime".

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.