Three men jailed for 80 years for murder of Birmingham dad Jamie Benbow

Three men have been jailed for life for murdering a father from Birmingham - who was stabbed to death during a “robbery gone wrong” at his home.

Jamie Benbow, 29, was killed after having a knife plunged into his chest at an address in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, on October 21 last year.

A court heard Calvin Mcleod, 38, had recruited two of his friends Jerome Christie, 27, and Ravelle Hutchinson, 26, to steal money and drugs from Mr Benbow. But during a struggle, Christie stabbed Mr Benbow and he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 11pm despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics.

McLeod, of Oldbury, Christie of Swadlincote, Derbys, and Hutchinson, of Bartley Green, Birmingham, were all previously found guilty of murder.

On Friday, the trio were all jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court.

Mcleod was ordered to serve a minimum of 26 years, Christie 28 years and Hutchinson 25 years, before they could be considered for parole.

Sentencing, Judge Francis Laird KC said: “Jamie Benbow was stabbed to death at his home address. He was a loving son, brother and father. The fatal blow was struck to the upper right chest. You McLeod knew each other well and appeared to be good friends.

“Despite what appeared to be friendship you McLeod organised the robbery of Jamie Benbow and you recruited Jerome Christie to carry it out who in turn recruited Hutchinson.”

He said that the three had carried out a reconnaissance trip before McLeod had contacted the other two to alert them to the fact that the victim was at home.

The judge added: “Jerome Christie and Ravelle Hutchjinson, you put your hoods up, left the car and walked to Washington Drive to rob Jamie Benbow.

“In the course of that robbery Jerome Christie, you stabbed Jamie Benbow and killed him. Seconds later Jamie Benbow staggered to the front door of a neighbours’ house but despite efforts to save him by his neighbours he died.”

The court heard Jamie dealt drugs on a modest scale often to friends in and around the Beaufort Arms in Hamstead, Birmingham.

Adrian Keeling KC, prosecuting, said many people thought he and McLeod were friends. He added: “Whatever friendship there was did not count for much on the night of October 21.”

On that night both McLeod and the victim had been at the pub where McLeod also dealt drugs. Benbow then returned home while McLeod met up with Christie and Hutchinson, to make sure they knew where the victim lived.

Neither Christie or Hutchinson were known to Mr Benbow while Mcleod, who feared he would be recognised, kept his distance. The robbers arrived at the victim’s home at 11pm and at least one knife was used during the attack.

Mr Keeling added: “Jamie Benbow tried to defend himself and also received cuts to other parts of his body, in particular to his hands.”

Imran Shafi KC, defending McLeod, said “He was not actually responsible for the escalation of the incident which led to Mr Benbow being stabbed. He did not cause the violence himself. It is an aggravating feature that Mr Benbow was McLeod’s friend. He did not want Mr Benbow to have been killed. The enterprise went further than he anticipated or desired.”

Jason Sugarman KC, defending Christie, said “When he went to that house, he did not want to kill anybody. This was a robbery that went wrong involving drugs.”

Gregory Bull KC, for Hutchinson, said: “He was recruited into this enterprise late. He was acting under the direction of others. There is no evidence he took a knife to the scene or used it.”

What Jamie Benbow’s family said

Jamie’s sister had released a statement on behalf of the family earlier which said: “On Friday 21st October 2022 our lives changed forever. Our family chain was broken.

“Jamie was a loving son, brother, uncle and a good friend to so many. Jamie was a proud dad and now a little boy has to grow up without his dad.

“He was one month away from his 30th birthday when he was so cruelly taken away from all of those who loved him. To know that Jamie’s life ended in the way it did and that his life meant nothing to those convicted of his murder is devastating. In relation to the sentences passed, it is us as a family with the real life sentence.

“As a family all we have left is a grave to visit and our wonderful memories of Jamie. You will always matter to us. Jamie you had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. You were always the life and soul of the party and your smile lit up any room you walked into.

“As your big sister, I promise to always speak your name and that your boy will be forever loved. We are so thankful that you left such a precious gift in him.

“Mom wants to say that you were so loved and that so many hearts have been broken. The love out there for you is unreal and you did that Jamie, you. We know you have the best seat in heaven. Mom and Dad are so proud to call you their son. You were the best brother to us all. Rest in paradise our boy. We all love and miss you. Love always Mom, Dad and your brothers and sister. Forever 29.”