Man jailed for life for Walsall nightclub murder
Akeem Francis-Kerr was stabbed at Valesha's nightclub.
A man has been jailed for life for murdering another man on a nightclub dancefloor in Walsall.
Edward Wilson, 39, killed Akeem Francis-Kerr with a single stab wound to the neck at Valesha's nightclub in Walsall just after 5am on March 11.
A jury of six men and six women found Wilson guilty of murder at Stafford Crown Court after just over 13 hours of deliberations.
Today (15 December), Wilson has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Mr Francis-Kerr, 29, was dead within an hour of being stabbed in the neck after the knife pierced both his carotid and his jugular veins in what prosecutors say was a dispute over who was standing where in the nightclub.
Prosecutor Maria Karaiskos KC told the jury Wilson stabbed Mr Francis-Kerr on the dancefloor "out of anger, arrogance or jealousy" after returning from the toilet to find him talking to two females in a recessed area of the club where Wilson had been standing since he arrived at the club an hour before, at around 4am.
During his own evidence to the jury, Wilson admitted the pair had had an "altercation" and exchanged blows, but denied stabbing Mr Francis-Kerr, saying he did not even know there had been a stabbing until his friend admitted he may have "got" him when they had left the club.
Two days after the stabbing, Wilson had checked into an apartment in Sheffield which had been booked by his ex-partner for the week of March 13-17.
While the prosecution said he fled there to hide out, Wilson claimed he was only in the city because it was where his ex and their son lived and he was visiting - something that he did regularly.
Wilson was arrested at the apartment on March 14, and in various police interviews denied being involved in the stabbing.
In a statement released through West Midlands Police, Mr Francis-Kerr's family and friends said they were "collectively relieved" at the verdict.
They said: "We give thanks to the most high for guiding and protecting us during this time of excruciating pain.
"Only now we feel like a small fraction of justice has been served. Nothing will ever return or replace Akeem's unmatched energy.
"We will all remember Akeem for his bright smile and we know the universe will shine a lot brighter with him on the other side.
"Akeem had his whole life ahead of him. We are heartbroken that he will never reap the rewards of his hard work.
"Akeem was devoted to his family, particularly his brothers and nieces. He loved his family dearly.
"Akeem had wishes of becoming a dad, as he loved children, he was somewhat a big kid at heart.
"Akeem would do anything for his loved ones. To know Akeem was to love Akeem.
"Memories of all that know him will create the authentic story that will forever live on.
"His smile, laugh, jokes and presence are fond moments we will all cherish forever.
"We give thanks to all officers, specialists, prosecution and everyone who has worked tirelessly on Akeem's case.
"The family liaison officers have been extremely supportive. We truly appreciate every individual and team involved.
"We will forever be thankful and hold you in all in hearts for eternity."