Man jailed for six years for killing his friend

Andrew Behan pleaded guilty to manslaughter

A Birmingham man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after he assaulted his friend, who later died from a bleed on the brain.

Andrew Behan, 41, of Wyrley Road, admitted to the manslaughter of Francis Leitner, 45, who died in hospital two days before Christmas in 2024.

West Midlands Police said on 21 December 2024, Behan and Mr Leitner went to an off-licence in Kingstanding to buy alcohol, and Behan was seen to headbutt the other man outside the shop.

"The violence Andrew Behan used against Francis Leitner that day was unnecessary, and sadly ended his life," said Det Insp Michelle Cordell in a statement on Friday.

Following the initial assault the pair got a taxi back to a property in Witton, where Behan continued to assault Mr Leitner, grabbing his phone and punching him.

Mr Leitner was taken to hospital and was found to have a bleed on his brain. He died two days later.

Behan pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on 10 July, and was sentenced to six years and seven months on November 24.

Det Insp Cordell said: "Our thoughts remain with Francis' family and loved ones and I hope... the sentence offers comfort to them, as they navigate their future without him."