Two men convicted over West Midlands attack after victim died almost three years later

Two men have been convicted over an attack in Handsworth after the victim died almost three years later.

Leban Hussein suffered serious head injuries after being assaulted in Watville Road in September 2022.

The 38-year-old was taken to hospital following the attack but died in July last year.

West Midlands Police's Major Crime Unit had been investigating the original assault and established that Mr Hussein had been punched before being kicked in the head.

John Guthrie was arrested just days after the attack and was subsequently charged.

The 39-year-old, of no fixed address, was convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, August 20.

A second man, Kristian Haines, aged 33 and also of no fixed address, was charged in connection with the attack and has been convicted of Section 20 grievous bodily harm.

Both men are due to be sentenced next month.

Detective Inspector Ade George, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “Mr Hussein’s death is a tragedy, and we have been relentless in trying to bring those responsible to justice.

“Both Guthrie and Haines have rightly been convicted for their roles in the attack.

“Investigations over time like this can be complex but we were committed to securing justice for Mr Hussein.”