Two men jailed for manslaughter in Birmingham
Richard Hopley died last September.
Two men have been jailed after killing another man after he was attacked during a robbery drug deal in Birmingham.
Richard Hopley was stabbed 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.
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.
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.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from our 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."