Violent Robbery Gang Found Guilty of Murdering Father in Birmingham Park

Six individuals have been convicted of the brutal murder of a father in Perry Hall Park, Birmingham, in March 2024.Six individuals have been convicted of the brutal murder of a father in Perry Hall Park, Birmingham, in March 2024.Six individuals have been convicted of the brutal murder of a father in Perry Hall Park, Birmingham, in March 2024.

By Jason KingBy Jason KingBy Jason King

Michael Obasi, 38, was out for an evening walk on March 14 when he was viciously attacked by three men and three teenage boys. His body was discovered two days later after his family reported him missing. A post-mortem revealed that Michael died from multiple injuries sustained during the violent assault.

A detailed investigation led detectives to CCTV footage that identified the group of offenders. Manuel Filipache, 22, Ion Morar, 21, Ion Calin, 19, along with two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old (whose identity is protected by law) were arrested at addresses in Aston. CCTV from two Perry Barr shops showed Filipache and Morar using Michael’s bank card shortly after the attack.

Later that evening, the group was captured on footage laughing and reenacting the assault on Normandy Street, discussing the attack with shocking indifference. Investigators also found Michael’s personal items, including his torch, at addresses connected to the offenders. DNA from two teenagers was found on Michael’s clothing.

The group was further linked to an earlier assault at Walsall Train Station in January 2024, where they attacked a man in a similar violent manner. Despite claims of self-defence from Filipache, CCTV footage contradicted his story.

At Birmingham Crown Court on February 25, all six defendants were found guilty of murder and robbery. The three adult offenders, Filipache, Morar, and Calin, were also convicted of the attempted robbery at Walsall Train Station. They were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

Michael’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a loving father and a devoted son. “His beautiful smile and gentle spirit brought warmth and joy to those around him,” they said in a statement. “No amount of justice will bring Michael back, but we hope this verdict brings some closure.”

Detective Inspector Phil Poole expressed his condolences to the family, stating, “The group showed no remorse for their actions. It’s heart-breaking that Perry Hall Park, once a place for Michael and his family to make memories, has now become a tragic site. This verdict won’t bring Michael back, but I hope it offers some closure.”

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and SentencingACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

Murder and Joint Enterprise LawsMurder and Joint Enterprise Laws

The conviction of six individuals for the murder of Michael Obasi highlights the legal principle ofjoint enterprisejoint enterprise, which allows multiple offenders to be held responsible for a crime—even if they did not all directly commit the fatal act.

What is Joint Enterprise?What is Joint Enterprise?

Joint enterprise is a legal doctrine used when two or more people participate in a crime together. Under English law, if a group sets out to commit one crime (e.g., robbery) and a more serious crime (e.g., murder) occurs as a foreseeable consequence, all involved can be convicted of that crime.

This principle was reaffirmed inR v Jogee [2016] UKSC 8R v Jogee [2016] UKSC 8, which clarified that a person must haveintended to assist or encourageintended to assist or encouragethe crime, rather than simply foreseeing it. However, courts still treat active participation—such as aiding, abetting, or planning—as grounds for conviction.

How This Applied in the Perry Hall Park CaseHow This Applied in the Perry Hall Park Case

In this case, the entire group attacked Michael Obasi, stole his belongings, and later used his bank card. Even though some may not have delivered the fatal blows, all were convicted of murder under joint enterprise because they participated in a violent robbery where serious harm or death was a foreseeable outcome.

Sentencing for Joint Enterprise MurderSentencing for Joint Enterprise Murder

Murder carries amandatory life sentencemandatory life sentence, but the judge determines the minimum term each offender must serve before parole can be considered. Factors influencing sentencing include:

•Level of involvementLevel of involvement(e.g., leading the attack vs. assisting)

•Use of weaponsUse of weapons

•PremeditationPremeditation

Even those who did not strike the fatal blows can receive lengthy sentences if their participation was deemed essential to the crime.

This case serves as a clear example of how joint enterprise ensures that all those involved in a violent crime face justice—not just the person who physically caused the victim’s death.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason KingJason King

Birmingham City-DeskBirmingham City-Desk

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