Richard Hopley: two men jailed for manslaughter after attack in Harborne, Birmingham

Two men have been jailed after being convicted of killing another man after he was attacked during a robbery drug deal in Birmingham.

Richard Hopley was stabbed after being ambushed in Underwood Close in Harborne on 22 September last year as he tried to drive away from Nicholas Stallard and Paul Hayles in Underwood Close, Harborne, on 22 September last year.

The seriously injured 44-year-old managed to travel a short distance before collapsing at the wheel and crashing his car in Metchley Lane. He had been stabbed in the chest and was confirmed dead shortly afterwards.

Birmingham Crown Court was told Mr Hopley had been driving around a drug dealer and after arriving at the pre-agreed location he was attacked by a group of robbers.

West Midlands Police identified Stallard and Hayles as being among the prime suspects and they were subsequently arrested. Stallard, aged 41, of Metchley Drive, Harborne, and Hayles, 64, of Malins Road, Harborne; were convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob following a trial.

Stallard was sentenced to 13 years and Hayles received a 10 year custodial sentence for manslaughter. They were also sentenced to six years for conspiracy to rob, which will run concurrently.

What has West Midlands Police said about the case?

Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from the homicide unit, said: “Mr Hopley’s killers were there waiting for him and despite efforts to drive away his injuries were too severe to survive. “We were able to quickly identify Stallard and Hayles as being prime suspects in the attack. Four men including Hayles and Stallard were involved in the killing.

The two outstanding suspects left the UK prior to being identified and we are working hard to bring them to face justice in the UK . It remains unclear who carried out the stabbing, and we believe there were four men involved in the ambush.

“All were culpable in causing Mr Hopley’s death and we’ll continue enquiries to bring others involved to justice.”