Pair jailed over fatal street attack

Two men have been locked up for their part in a fatal street assault on a man after an argument erupted over rumours he was a police informant.

Tajh Smith, aged 20, and Lawrence Bennett, aged 19, attacked Gurdeep Mann, who later died in hospital, in a "serious example of street violence", Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Armed with knuckle dusters and angry at rumours he was working with the police, Mr Mann confronted Lawrence Bennett's 21-year-old brother Leigh, in Bush Avenue, Smethwick, the court was told.

Mr Stuart Clarkson, prosecuting, said: "Mr Mann believed Leigh was the one making the accusations against him. One night he encountered Leigh and attacked him, punching him at least four times.

"Mr Mann then ran off down Windmill Lane."

In Windmill Lane Mr Mann was assaulted by a gang of men in retaliation and was repeatedly kicked while lying on the ground. The attack took place on September 16, 2006 and Mr Mann later died in hospital.

The court heard Smith, of St Anne's Road, Tottenham, London, and Lawrence Bennett, of Thomas Crescent, Smethwick, were part of the gang which set upon Mr Mann.

Recorder James Sampson said: "Smith, what you did was take part in a serious example of street violence. You were something of a status figure in the group and because of that the others followed your lead.

"Lawrence Bennett, this was not premeditated and if it were not for the attack on your brother you would not have been involved. But worryingly you said he got what he deserved because he was a grass."

Recorder Sampson sentenced Smith to 18 months in custody, Lawrence Bennett to 12 months and Leigh Bennett, of Thomas Crescent, to 12 months suspended for two years.

The Bennett brothers had both previously pleaded guilty to affray, while Smith was convicted following a trial. All three had a murder charge hanging over their heads for a while but it was dropped to affray as it could not be ascertained who dealt the fatal blow.