A Birmingham man who fatally attacked his friend over a £40 debt has been found dead in prison. Andrew Behan, 41, died at HMP Stoke Heath in Shropshire on March 29, according to the Prison Service.
The Attack
Behan admitted manslaughter after headbutting and punching 45-year-old Francis Leitner at their shared house on Wyrley Road in Aston on December 21, 2024. The altercation began outside a Select Xpress off-licence, where Behan headbutted his friend. The violence continued back at their HMO, with Behan repeatedly punching and elbowing Leitner.
CCTV footage captured Leitner saying: "I'm going to call the police. I thought you were my friend." The victim suffered a bleed on the brain and died in hospital two days later, on December 23, 2024.
Court Sentencing
Behan was jailed for six years and seven months in November 2025 after pleading guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that the attack was sparked by a dispute over £40.
Prison Death
A Prison Service spokesman said: "As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate." The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman confirmed an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances of Behan's death.
Victim's Tragic Words
Francis Leitner, a Brazilian national, had tragically told his son in a phone call before the attack: "You will be contacted if I'm dead." His life support was switched off after the assault.
Behan had reportedly gone out drinking after the attack before being arrested.
