Two Birmingham thugs who beat popular father to death after text message argument found guilty of murder
Two killers have been found guilty of beating a man to death following a vicious assault in Birmingham.
Mr Dean, known to his friends as Yankee, was standing outside an address in Springfield Road, Moseley, on July 7 last year when an argument began over text.
Pulling up outside the address at around 4.50pm, Hamza Khan and Mohammed Rahman, both aged 23, got out and started to attack him.
When Craig fell to the ground Khan and Rahman continued the attack, kicking him numerous times and stomping on his head.
Following the attack, they drove away as Mr Dean lay seriously injured.
He was taken to hospital and an investigation was launched by West Midlands Police. Two days later, on July 9, Mr Dean's life support was switched off.
Following further investigation, police found the Vauxhall Corsa that the attackers were driving a short distance away, and after forensic tests on two drink cans, they identified Khan and Rahman from DNA evidence.
Khan, of Anderton Park Road, Birmingham, was arrested on July 16, when he was found inside a holiday rental property in Worcestershire.
Rahman, of Mapleton Grove, Birmingham, attempted to flee but was arrested at Heathrow Airport when he returned to the UK on July 25.
Both men were charged with murder.
On Friday (January 30) they were both found guilty of the offence at Birmingham Crown Court, and are due to be sentenced on February 24.
Mr Dean's daughters have released a statement thanking the community for the kind words and support they received.
It said: "We, as Craig’s daughters, sincerely appreciate all of the kind words said about our Dad and everyone that has taken an interest in this case, demanding justice on his and our family's behalf.
“The Facebook group, which was created by your community in memoriam of Craig, has 600 members, which is a testament to how loved he was and his impact on everyone who knew him.
“He was an amazing father, and we want to thank everyone who took the time to get to know him or has shown support to our family during this horrific time.
“We will never forget the kindness you have shown us."
Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt, who led the investigation, added: "Today’s guilty verdicts for murder mark the conclusion of a complex investigation into the brutal and senseless murder of Craig Dean, known as ‘Yankee’ to his friends.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with Craig’s family and loved ones, who have shown strength and dignity throughout this difficult process.
“I hope this outcome brings them some measure of justice and closure.
“I would like to thank the dedicated investigators and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to secure these convictions.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for this level of violence, and West Midlands Police remains resolute in our commitment to pursue those who commit serious violent offences and ensure they are held accountable for their actions."
