Man jailed after body found in sleeping bag

A man has been jailed for the murder of a man found dead in a sleeping bag.

The body of Anthony Sharma, 43, was found at his home on Doidge Road in Erdington, Birmingham on 8 November 2023.

The court heard Diogo Bettencourt was seen walking to an off-licence with the victim, his housemate, before returning to the property on the night he died. He was seen walking outside alone four hours later, where he attempted to use Mr Sharma's bank card to withdraw cash.

Bettencourt was sentenced to 13 years and nine months at Birmingham Crown Court.

West Midlands Police said Bettencourt went on to make several transactions using the card to withdraw cash and buy goods after the death.

On the morning of 10 November, Mr Sharma's body was found in the sleeping bag.

A post-mortem examination found he had died as a result of multiple injuries including a head injury, and stab wounds.

Bettencourt had denied murder, but pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at the start of the trial which ended on Monday.

Det Insp Damian Forrest, said: "Bettencourt's actions were callous as he went about his day having killed Anthony and even went on to use his bank card to make purchases."

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