West Bromwich pub murder: 'Horrific violence' deprived Matthew Adams' family and friends of 'the life and soul of the party'
The devastated family of Matthew Adams who was killed in a fight at a pub in West Bromwich are 'living an absolute nightmare' because of those found guilty of his murder.
The 33-year-old was savagely beaten outside a West Bromwich pub in March 2023.
Three men and boy were found guilty of his murder at Wolverhampton Crown Court after the jury saw CCTV footage of the father of two being attacked by John Wise, Mark Shorthouse, Ryan Stanley and a 16-year-old. Nicola Stanley, aged 40, was found guity of violent disorder.
Two years after his death and Matthew’s family are still devastated by their loss.
They said: “Our whole family and Matt’s friends continue to struggle with the loss of Matt. We cannot believe we are living this absolute nightmare. No words will ever be enough to fully describe the massive void since we lost Matt. Matt’s children have lost a devoted daddy.
“Matt was a loving son, an adored younger brother, a kind and generous uncle, a much-loved cousin and a loyal friend to many."
Known to many as 'Wacka', Matt fought back against his murderers. The court heard how he 'bit a chunk out of their legs'. However, those who knew him remember a man who loved to joke around.
The family added: “Matt's smile and cheeky laugh could cheer up the darkest of days and his sense of humour will always be remembered by us all.
“Our lives will never be the same, we will continue to remember all those amazing memories we had with Matt, and we will cherish them forever.
“He was the life and soul of our family, and our hearts will be forever broken."
Yet to receive an apology or any sign of contrition by those who attacked Matthew, the family branded the violence used as 'horrific''
They said: “Our family have seen and heard the horrific violence Matt was subjected to and we are appalled by it, and utterly devastated that Matt lost his life as a result of it with little or no remorse shown from those involved “
Yesterday, three men and boy were found guilty of murdering the father, from Walsall.
- Mark Shorthouse, from West Bromwich, 55, was found guilty of murder. He had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
- Ryan Stanley, aged 30 and John Wise, aged 44, from West Bromwich, were found guilty of murder and violent disorder.
- A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also found guilty of murder and violent disorder.
- Nichola Stanley, aged 40 from Sandwell, has been found guilty of violent disorder.
When his verdicts were delivered there were screams of derision from his family as they realised he will spend decades languishing in a jail cell.