Pair who beat homeless man to death found guilty

Two men have been found guilty of the "brutal and senseless" murder of a homeless man they beat to death in Birmingham.

Craig Dean, 53, known as "Yankee", was "viciously" assaulted on Springfield Road, Kings Heath, last July, and died in hospital two days later.

Hamza Khan, 23, and 25-year-old Mohammed Rahman had attacked and kicked him numerous times before stomping on his head and driving away, said West Midlands Police.

They were convicted of murder at Birmingham Crown Court earlier, and are due to be sentenced on 24 February.

Mr Dean, originally from San Diego, California, was said to be popular among the community and would often be seen sitting outside the Asda store in Kings Heath.

Hundreds of people attended a memorial service held for him at New Life Baptist Church in the area following his death.

The attack happened following an argument that had started over text messages, said the force.

Khan and Rahman were arrested after DNA evidence was found on drinks cans in a vehicle identified in CCTV footage, as part of their investigation, police said.

Khan, of Anderton Park Road, Birmingham, was arrested on 16 July, while at a rental property in Worcestershire.

Rahman, of Mapleton Grove, also in the city, fled the country, before being arrested at Heathrow Airport when he returned to the UK on 25 July.

Dean's daughters released a statement thanking the community for their kind words, "and everyone that has taken an interest in the case, demanding justice on his and our family's behalf".

"He was an amazing father, and we want to thank everyone that took the time to get to know him or has shown support to our family during this horrific time," they said.

"We will never forget the kindness you have shown us."

Det Insp Dan Jarratt described the killing as "brutal and senseless" adding the victim's family and loved ones had shown "strength and dignity throughout this difficult process".

"I hope this outcome brings them some measure of justice and closure," he added.

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