BIRMINGHAM DAILY
BUY DIRECT FROM THE MIDLANDS NO.1 CAR DEALER
NEWS
AUTO ROOM
new and used cars
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
15 - 19 Straight Rd, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 0RC Telephone: 0121 444 3465
30p
Masked Killer strikes down victim No. 2 By Fahad Azhar POLICE have released a screenshot taken from a CCTV camera in Kings Heath just 2 days ago. The photo shows a man walking on Stevenson Rd at 10.48 pm on Monday night. Police would like to quiz this man in relation to the stabbing of 21 year old Jonathan Collins, who was returning home from his night shift at a local restaurant when he was stabbed. It is believed that Collins was confronted by the murderer before receiving 8 stab wounds to the chest and the stomach in a violent attack. Jonathan’s parents, Lindsay and Peter were horrified when they learnt of their son’s tragic death. Lindsay Collins said: “We loved our Jonathan, we do not understand why someone would want to commit such a horrible act, he will be remembered always.” Peter Collins, the father said: “Jonathan was a good lad, he was always lively and fun to have around, I hope that this selfish Individual is caught and brought to justice.” Police have appealed to the mem-
bers of the public to come forward with any information they may have. Det. Matt Markham, from Bourville Lane Police station said: “We currently have a full team of forensics studying the crime scene for any leads, It seems that the attack had no purpose but to simply end a life, when we found young Jonathan, his wallet and jewellery were not taken.” Local shopkeeper, 35 year old Patrick Kumar said: “It was horrific, just plain shocking, in all my life I have never heard of such brutality, the attack seemed completely un-provoked.” “The killer must have been hiding in the bushes because nobody noticed him before the crime, I was crossing the road when I saw a body lying on the street.” “I went towards him and noticed a man lying motionless in a pool of blood and I immediately called the police.” “I hope that he is stopped before anymore innocent people are hurt.” A previous attack took place just 6 months ago, when a man struck down 25 year old Helena Stevenson in Kings Heath park as she was walking her dog.
The image shows the murderer minutes before he stabbed Jonathan (pictured below) to death on kurzick street. The killer is wearing his “trademark” mask
Police are still investigating that incident and as yet believe that the two attacks are not related. Despite this witness accounts described that the attacker was wearing a hooded shirt as well as a plain white mask which had a “smiley face” hand drawn onto it. Police have increased plain clothed foot patrols in the area and have advised residents to be on the alert, but as yet are baffled as the killers motive. West Midlands head superintendant Micheal Jones has personally set up a task force to look into the attacks. They have appealed to anyone with
TURN TO PAGE 3
Ex - Cop’s a drug dealer and theif
Kevin leaves Birmingham Magistrate court after recieving a 16 year sentencing. He was found guilty for several theft offences as well as illegal drug crimes.
By Joe Oliphant A drug dealer is facing a long jail term after evidence was found at his house in Kings Norton. Kevin Bright, 36, a former police officer was yesterday sentenced to 16 years in prison after 15 large cases packed with an illegal drug were found in his basement. Kevin left the police force in May 2008, his former colleagues at the West Midland’s police headquarters described him as “a friendly, hard working officer.”
Holidays Direct
It was 3 years ago when police arrested 25 year old smuggler, Andrew Ryan, detectives described him as “a significant supplier.” Police Det. Thomas Collin said: “we are fortunate to have stopped the major source of illegal drugs, now we have focused are attention towards the many links which Andrew has.” “Kevin Bright is just one of the many dealers in a large network operating in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.” Det. Neil Mann said: “It is believed that Kevin was in debt to a number of people, we have found evidence to link him with 28 bank hits which happened last year.” “The money was used to fund a large operation where Kevin would purchase the illegal drugs from his suppliers at an abandoned car park in Sparkhill.” “To move the drugs to his house he used a 1995 Ford Transit van which
BOOK NOW! for summer 2010
he had purchased from a car dealer in Manchester. Investigators said they hoped Kevin’s arrest had dealt a significant blow to dealers operating in the Midland’s and North West, and also those which bought them. Police suspect he made over 2 million pounds, an investigation has been launched to seize assets. Kevin was arrested at his house in Moseley in March 2009 after a 6month operation involving investigators from the serious organised crime agency (Soca). Police have confirmed that Kevin owns a number of small warehouses in which he stores the illegal drugs, however their whereabouts are unknown. Detectives say that Kevin had operated under 30 aliases which meant that they were unaware of his illegal drug dealing activities until he was arrested at his home in Moseley.
Visit: www.holidaysdirect.net Or call: 0800 446 8358
BIRMINGHAM DAILY NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
2
Inside today
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Page 6 Page 16 Page 19 Page 34 Page 36 Page 38 Page 40 Page 45
Letters Business and finance TV Guide Puzzles and quizes Media room Interviews Property and jobs Sports news
WEATHER
A mostly cloudy day, with a few patches of rain in areas. With some south-westerly winds.
Police seal road after shooting By David Heafy SUDDEN gunfire was heard in the early hours of Tuesday as a firearms truck carrying over 40 weapons passed through Kings Heath.
A military transport truck was transporting weapons to the local army base in Worcester when it came to a stop on Tyler road as several shots erupted inside its storage. The truck was followed closely by a police escort driven by Det.
TONIGHT
TOMOROW
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
16C (61F) 11C (52F)
17C (63F) 7C (45F)
18C (64F) 6C (43F)
18C (64F) 7C (45F)
Find all the latest headlines online at:
George Cameron and Det. Mathew Williams. Local resident, 39 year old Mark Thompson, said: “I was suddenly awoken by the sound of gun fire.” “It lasted less than a minute, when it had stopped i looked out of the window and saw a truck and a car stopped in the middle of the road.” Detectives say that after a close inspection of the truck they found that the safety catches on the weapons were turned off and they have launched an investigation to find out why the guns were loaded and were being transported in an unsuitable condition. The Truck also received some damage to its side doors, which were marked with numerous bul-
let holes. Inspector Cameron said: “We were lucky that it was in the early hours of the morning and no one was hurt.” “We have currently closed the road to retrieve the bullets safely and to move the truck which received light damage. Inspector’s say that it could be up to a week before the road is open again, in the mean time it will continue to cause inconvenience for the residents. The 32 bus route which passes through the road has been diverted down Howard Lane. Inspectors claim that this incident was “purely accidental”, and are working hard to ensure that the mistake is not repeated.
BIRMINGHAM DAILY
NEWS.net
Contact us E-mail: Text: Visit:
news@birminghamdaily.co.uk sport@birminghamdaily.co.uk
‘Views’ to 86700 (30p plus normal network charge) www.birminghamdailynews.net
Display: Classified:
0121 234 5876 0121 234 5768
birminghamdailynews.net Most views Blues - Villa derby riots leaves 3 dead Car washing accident causes over £800, 000 in damages to local supermarket Thousands gather at Birmingham’s annual carnival event
IN CINEMAS TODAY