Suspect Appears in Court Following City Centre Tragedy
A 37-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a 31-year-old in Birmingham city centre. Joshua Johnson-Hector died in hospital after sustaining a serious head injury on Bristol Street in the early hours of Sunday, 28 December.
The incident occurred shortly after 4.15am outside the Savanna cocktail bar. Emergency services rushed Mr Johnson-Hector to hospital, but he sadly passed away the following afternoon, on Monday, 29 December.
Police Investigation and Witness Appeal
West Midlands Police have confirmed that Richard Deakin, from Halesowen, was arrested and has now been charged in connection with the death. Deakin was remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for his first hearing on Tuesday, 30 December.
In a statement, a police spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this awful time. Following enquiries it's understood he was assaulted in the vicinity of the Savanna venue."
Officers believe a number of people were in the area at the time of the incident and have issued a direct appeal for information. They are urging anyone who saw what happened to come forward to help establish the exact circumstances.
How to Assist the Investigation
Police have provided specific contact details for potential witnesses. Information can be provided by:
- Using the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website.
- Calling 101 and quoting log reference 587 of 28/12/25.
- Contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The investigation into the tragic events that led to Joshua Johnson-Hector's death continues as the legal process begins.
