Joseph Snape, 28 and Michael Herrington, 22, have been jailed for life after beating a care home resident, Anthony Brown, 45, to death.
The victim was found wrapped in bedding, with a plastic bag taped around his head, he had been hit at least 12 times on the head and was gagged with a sock during the ordeal.
The court heard that all three men had been living at the home for people with mental health problems, and that Snape led the attack. The motive for the attack remains unclear, however witnesses said that the pair had drunk a cocktail of alcohol on the same evening.
Judge Melbourne Inman QC said: “It must have been a terrifying experience for Mr Brown.
“I am sure that both of you gained pleasure from sustained brutality. Both of you were heard laughing.”
Snape has been ordered to spend a minimum of 25 years and Michael Herrington a minimum of 18 years in prison. Herrington, who admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, was also given two orders under the mental health act.
Please click here to read the full story as reported by the Birmingham Mail and West Midlands Police
Please click here to view the profile for Mark Heywood QC, prosecuting.
