Brutal Longbridge Attack: Two Men Guilty of Murdering Football Fan
Jason D’Aguilar, 33, was savagely beaten in Longbridge last June after watching the England vs Croatia match. Found with serious injuries on Central Avenue, he later died in hospital.
Unprovoked Assault Shocks Witnesses
Birmingham Crown Court heard how Ben Wiggett and Jordan Haines launched a “vicious and completely unprovoked” attack on Jason just before 10pm on 13 June 2023. Jason had been out enjoying the football with friends when the violence erupted.
Wiggett turned himself in the next day, admitting he’d downed up to nine pints. He claimed a bottle was thrown by Jason’s group at his friends. Haines sniggered when shown CCTV footage but refused to comment on the case.
Justice Delivered, but Family Heartbroken
Both men were found guilty of murder at Birmingham Crown Court. A third man caught up in the chaos was cleared of affray. Sentencing is set for 19 December.
Jason’s family released a heart-wrenching statement:
“Jason was and will always be the most amazing daddy. A cherished son, a soul mate to his childhood sweetheart, a loved brother, uncle, and friend.
“Our family was ripped apart the day Jason’s life was cruelly taken.”
“Even on verdict day, the outcome doesn’t change our heartache of enduring a life without Jason. That is a life sentence we face forever.”
They added, “Jason’s beautiful smile lit up any room, his legacy will live on in his precious two children. They will always know how daddy was their hero.”
Police Comment on Shocking Attack
Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood led the probe and said:
“This was a brutal attack on a man who was trying to enjoy a night out with his friends. It’s not clear what triggered the violence, but we found no evidence Jason provoked it. Our thoughts are with his family today.”
