Jamie Benbow: Oldbury man handed life sentence for murder

Calvin McLeod, aged 38, of Wheatley Close, Oldbury, Jerome Christie, aged 27, of Swadlincote, Derby and Ravelle Hutchinson, aged 26, of Cromwell Lane, Bartley Green were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today (Friday, October 13) for the murder of Jamie Benbow.

Mr Benbow, aged 29, was found with stab wounds at his Handsworth Wood home in Washington Drive last October and died at the scene. 

The three men had previously been convicted of murder following a trial on June 26.

The jury was told at the time that Mr Benbow supplied drugs to friends in and around the Beaufort Arms pub on Old Walsall Road in Great Barr.

They were told that he knew fellow dealer McLeod who ultimately arranged for Hutchinson and Christie to rob and attack him.

Calvin McLeod (Image: West Midlands Police)

McLeod was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years,

Christie was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years and Hutchinson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.

L-r - Jerome Christie and Revelle Huchinson (Image: West Midlands Police)

Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, Georgina Davies, said: “These men carried out a premeditated and vicious attack on Benbow in his home when he was alone at night with the intent to cause really serious harm and to rob him of drugs and money.

"Their actions were cowardly and callous beyond comprehension. They outnumbered him and he suffered considerably for some time as evidenced by the defensive injuries on him.

"There can never be an excuse for such a heartless display of violence and disregard for human life. I hope this sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of such acts. My thoughts are with Mr Benbow’s family at this time.”