TWO MEN are facing life behind bars after being found guilty of the murder of a man who was beaten to death in Longbridge.
Jason D’Aguilar, aged 33, was found with serious injuries in Central Avenue after being repeatedly punched and kicked in June last year.
Jason D’Aguila. s
He was taken to hospital for treatment but died from his injuries.
Birmingham Crown Court heard how Ben Wiggett and Jordan Haines had attacked Mr D’Aguilar, who had been out watching the England vs Croatia match with friends.
Witnesses told of a ‘vicious and completely unprovoked’ attack on Mr D’Aguilar on Central Avenue just before 10pm on June 13 last year.
Wiggett handed himself in to police the following day, and told officers in interview that he had drunk up to nine pints that day.
He said he believed a bottle had been thrown at his group of friends by the group containing Mr D’Aguilar.
When Haines was arrested, he answered ‘no comment’ to questions but sniggered when he was shown CCTV from the night.
Yesterday, both were found guilty of murder following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
A third man was found not guilty of affray.
The two men found guilty of murder will be sentenced on December 19.
In a statement, Jason’s family said: “Jason was and will always be the most amazing daddy.
“A cherished son, a soul mate to his childhood sweetheart, a loved brother, uncle, and friend.
“Our family was ripped apart the day Jason’s life was cruelly taken.
“Even on verdict day, the outcome doesn’t change our heartache of enduring a life without Jason.
“That is a life sentence we face forever.
“Jason’s beautiful smile lit up any room, his legacy will live on in his precious two children.
“They will always know how daddy was their hero.”
Det Insp Michelle Thurgood, leading the investigation, said: “This was a brutal attack on a man who was trying to enjoy a night out with his friends.
“It’s not clear exactly what triggered the violence, but we’ve not found any evidence that Mr D’Aguilar did anything to provoke what happened.
“Our thoughts are with his family today.”
