Park murder and other latest Birmingham news updates (Wednesday October 13)

Park Murder

Two men have been found guilty of murder after a man was viciously assaulted in a Sandwell park last summer.

Anthony Bird was attacked in Victoria Park, Tipton on the morning of Sunday 26 July 2020 by Steven Bennett and Suni Singh Gill.

Horrified families with children witnessed the pair repeatedly kick and punch Anthony in a savage attack.

Bennett and Gill fled the park leaving Anthony lying unresponsive on the floor. He eventually got up and despite the severity of his injuries managed to make his way to his niece’s house, a short walk from the park.

When Anthony arrived she took one look at him and immediately called an ambulance.

Anthony was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, a fractured jaw and cheekbone. He remained in hospital for over two weeks where his health rapidly deteriorated and he sadly passed away on August 12.

Although CCTV didn’t capture the assault, it did capture Bennett and Gill after they had assaulted Anthony which showed them laughing and re-enacting the disgusting attack they had just carried out.

An investigation had already been launched into the assault of Anthony with Bennett and Gill identified through witness statements and CCTV.

Items were seized from Bennett and Gill’s homes.

A pair of trainers belonging to Bennett were recovered and analysed, showing traces of Anthony’s blood on the sole.

Bennett was interviewed and claimed that he had been falsely identified. Gill answered no comment throughout his interview.

Following a lengthy trial, on Wednesday 12^th October at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Stephen Bennett and Suni Singh Gill were found guilty of Anthony’s murder.

Anthony’s family said: “We have to live with the memory of visiting our dad in hospital following the violent attack on him last summer. It was huge shock to see how badly beaten Dad had been and it is a memory that we are worried will stay with us forever.

Sandwell super hospital delay

The opening of The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick has been delayed again.

The ‘super-hospital was due to open in 2018.

That was pushed back due to collapse of contractor Carillion. Now hospital chiefs have said plans to open next year are looking ‘increasingly unlikely’. They blame a lack of materials and construction workers.

Weather outlook

Cloudy with the chance of showers. Highs of 17 with an overnight low of 9 Celcius.

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