Murder probe over 'significant head injuries' death

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A man found in a Coventry home died from "significant head injuries", a post-mortem examination has found.

The 36-year-old, who has not been formally identified, was discovered at a property in Hugh Road on 26 August by officers responding to a disturbance.

He was taken to hospital but died five days later on 31 August.

Two men have been charged with attempted murder. Police said the charges were being reviewed after the inquiry became a murder investigation.

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Tributes to Coventry man who died after incident at house



Friends have paid tribute to a Coventry man who died following a disturbance at a property.

Lee Brooks, aged 36, was found with serious head injuries at a house in Hugh Road, Stoke, at around 6.10am on Friday August 26.

His condition deteriorated and he died on Wednesday morning.

Two men have already been charged with attempted murder, although police have now said the investigation is now a murder inquiry.

Unemployed Drew Thorpe, aged 19, from Hollis Road, Stoke, and mechanic Stephen Weeks, 47, from Hugh Road, Stoke, appeared at Coventry Magistrates Court on August 29 - two days before Mr Brooks died.

Police initially said that he had not been formally identified, although when Thorpe and Weeks were charged Mr Brooks was identified in court as the alleged victim.

Thorpe is also charged with assaulting a police officer. The pair are both currently remanded in custody.

On Facebook Mr Brooks’ friends have paid tribute to him with one woman writing: “Sad sad news - I think about you as soon as I go bed then as soon as I open my eyes.

“I can’t believe this has happened to you, you were a good lad - had some points people didn’t like but don’t we all - no one is perfect.

“You didn’t deserve this, you were very loved by many and will be missed, we’ve been friends for years.”

Another person wrote: “Thoughts are with you all. Heartbreaking news,” and another person wrote: “Thinking of you all. Can’t comprehend what’s happened. Absolutely gutted for you all - goes without saying all my heartfelt love.”

Det Sgt Michelle Kiedron, from Coventry CID, said: “We’re in the early stages of the investigation but we know that the victim and suspects were known to each other.

“My team are also currently reviewing the original charges as this is now a murder inquiry.

“We continue to piece together the circumstances of this man’s death and I would urge anyone who has any information -regardless of how insignificant you think it may be to please get in touch.”

Thorpe and Weeks will next appear at Warwick Crown Court on September 29 for a plea hearing - when new charges could potentially be put to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Kiedron on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Coventry mechanic in court over alleged house brawl murder

A mechanic has denied the murder of a Coventry man who died following a disturbance at a house in the city.

Two men - Stephen Weeks and Drew Thorpe - had already been charged with attempted murder, but following Mr Brooks’ death the charges were upgraded to murder.

Weeks, a 47-year-old mechanic from Hugh Road, appeared at Warwick Crown Court last week where he pleaded not guilty to murder.

Thorpe, aged 19, from Hollis Road, Stoke, is yet to enter any pleas.

The next hearing in the case will take place on January 13, 2017. Both men have been remanded in custody.

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Savage killers jailed for life for murder of "lovable rogue" Lee Brooks



Two men have today been jailed for life for the brutal murder of Coventry dad Lee Brooks.

Stephen Weeks, 48, and Drew Thorpe, 19, were told that they would serve a total of 28 years in prison before being considered for parole.

The pair attacked Mr Brooks with a claw hammer and a spanner while he slept at Weeks’ home in Hugh Road during the morning of August 26, 2016.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and medical staff, he died five days later in hospital.

Weeks and Thorpe, of Hollis Road, Stoke, had denied murder but were found guilty on Wednesday after a trial at Warwick Crown Court.

Prosecutor John Lloyd-Jones said Mr Brooks was a “lovable rogue”.

A victim impact statement written by Mr Brook’s dad was summarised by Mr Lloyd-Jones saying:

“He did not deserve to die and he did not deserve to die in the way that he did.”

He added that they visit his grave daily to talk to him, and his children have been unable to comprehend their loss.

He said Mr Brooks' three-year-old daughter even digs at the ground of his grave trying to bring her dad back.

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones, sentencing Weeks to a minimum of 16 years, said: “I am satisfied in your case, Weeks, that you held Lee Brooks in contempt.

“At the time of the attack there were distressing screams from the victim which were heard by neighbours and which it was clear to me went on for some considerable time, only to stop by reason of the arrival of police.

“That sustained savagery is a further aggravating feature in your case."

Addressing Thorpe, who was jailed for at least 12 years, Mr Griffith-Jones added: “There is serious culpability here which you much face up to and cannot avoid. I am sure you knew you were being recruited for the purpose of a serious assault.

“You were by the time you took the hammer to the bedroom an enthusiastic participant.

“You were in it together for the same purpose.”

Following the sentencing, Mr Brooks’ family entered the courtroom in a distressed state to question the length of Thorpe’s sentence.

Concluding the five-week trial, Mr Griffith-Jones said: “I am acutely aware of the terrible shock that it is when a loved one dies suddenly.

“When that happens in circumstances of this brutality it is all the more shocking. So also is it a terrible thing for a person to outlive their own child.

“I hope they will be able to pass onto Lee Brooks’ children memories of him and his character which will be so important...that they will be able to have affection and pride in the person that gave them life that is no longer there.”

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Evil Coventry claw hammer killers ordered to spend LONGER behind bars

Two Coventry killers who beat a man to death with a claw hammer and a spanner have had their prison sentences increased.

Stephen Weeks and Drew Thorpe were jailed for a minimum of 16 years and 12 years respectively for the brutal murder of Lee Brooks in August last year.

But now the Court of Appeal has upped their sentences after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, successfully argued that the sentences were too lenient.

Weeks will now serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars and Thorpe at least 15 years.

Speaking after the hearing, Robert Buckland QC said: “The minimum terms failed to reflect the gravity of a brutal attack with weapons, which was pre-meditated and carried out by two people who the judge found had intended to kill the defenceless victim and who succeeded in their aim.

“I hope the increased sentences bring some comfort to Mr Brooks’ family.”