A man has been jailed for at least 30 years for the murder of Richard Hopley during a robbery in Harborne.
Ayub Khan was part of a group who ambushed the 43-year-old in Underwood Close on 22 September 2022.
Mr Hopley had been driving around a drug dealer when he was fatally stabbed after arriving at the pre-agreed location.
Khan was carrying a knife at the time of the group attack although he wasn’t the one who stabbed Mr Hopley.
He fled the UK shortly afterwards but the 29-year-old from Harborne was arrested on his return to England last autumn. He was convicted of murder and conspiracy to rob following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Khan was sentenced to life imprisonment – to serve a minimum term of 30 years – on Tuesday (25th February).
Mr Hopley managed to drive a short distance after sustaining serious chest injuries before collapsing at the wheel and crashing his car.
Three other men were jailed for more than 50 years combined for their roles in the tragic events that led to his death.
West Midlands Police spokes said: “we now believe we’ve identified everyone who was involved in what happened and our thoughts remain with Mr Hopley’s loved ones.”
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