Boy sentenced to 14 years for murder of Ian Kirwan

A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years detention for the murder of Ian Kirwan in March 2022.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced today, Wednesday 15 February 2023, at Birmingham Crown Court.

A 16-year-old boy was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for 36 months (this includes supervision for 36 months) for violent disorder and possession of a knife.  A further two boys, one aged 15 and one 14, were both given a youth rehabilitation order for 24 months (which includes supervision for 24 months) for violent disorder.  They also cannot be named for legal reasons.

The group travelled by train from Birmingham to Redditch on Tuesday 8 March 2022, where they later stabbed Ian outside Asda on Jinnah Road.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Leighton Harding, said: “I’m glad that justice has been done and that those involved will now pay the price for their actions on that fateful day last year. 

“I’d like to commend Ian’s family on the incredible strength, courage and dignity they have shown throughout the trial and sentencing.

“I’d also like to thank the team who have worked tirelessly on this case, as well members of the public who came forward with information which was vital in the conviction and sentences handed to the youths today.

“We take knife crime incredibly seriously and I hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that we can and do take action against those who carry them.  This case is a poignant reminder of the dangers of carrying a knife.  They simply have no place in our society.

“Although we won’t hesitate to take action where required, we know that prevention is better than cure.  In June 2022 we launched a new prevention strategy within West Mercia Police, which focuses not only how we respond to knife crime, but preventing it happening in the first place.

“A huge part of the prevention strategy is working with young people across the communities we serve.  Each area of the force has dedicated officers working with children and young people to divert them away from knife crime, often working closely with partner agencies to achieve this.

“We also take part in Op Sceptre, a national knife crime initiative, twice each year, and have seen great success with our ‘Steer Clear’ initiative, which helps young people involved in, or on the periphery of being involved in, knife crime to find an alternative route.”