Birmingham Nightclub Death: Man Pushed Down Stairs in 'Murder' Trial
A man was allegedly murdered at a Birmingham nightclub after being pushed down a flight of stairs following a prolonged altercation, a court has been told. Berhane Tsegay, aged 33, suffered what prosecutors described as a 'catastrophic' head injury at the Sebene Habesha club in the Newtown area on Friday, September 26 last year. He tragically passed away in hospital three days later on September 29.
Defendants Deny Murder Charges
Simon Gebrengus, aged 44, from Anderson Road in Erdington, and Bibi Gilzgi, aged 31, of no fixed address, are currently on trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Both men have entered pleas of not guilty to the charge of murder. However, the jury was informed that the two defendants have already admitted to the lesser charge of manslaughter as the case opened yesterday, Tuesday, April 21.
Prosecutor Michael Brady KC outlined the events leading to the fatal incident. All three individuals involved hail from Eritrea in north-east Africa and were known to each other. The court heard that tensions had been escalating over several hours, with all parties consuming alcohol during the morning at the venue on Lower Tower Street.
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
Mr Tsegay arrived at the nightclub with a group that included Gebrengus at approximately 5.30am. Gilzgi reportedly joined them around an hour and a half later. The prosecutor detailed various flashpoints beginning at 9.20am when Gebrengus allegedly took exception to Mr Tsegay moving shisha coals.
Throughout the morning, numerous interactions occurred between the men. At around 11.15am, the club manager intervened during another clash. Approximately fifteen minutes later, Mr Tsegay pushed Gilzgi, leading to a physical confrontation where punches were exchanged.
A similar altercation ensued shortly afterwards. During this incident, Gilzgi allegedly struck Mr Tsegay over the head with a shisha pipe and inadvertently hit Gebrengus when he swung it again. The prosecutor stated that Gebrengus left the room but returned to run towards Mr Tsegay, hitting him in the face and knocking both him and Gilzgi to the floor.
It was further alleged that Gebrengus then stamped on Mr Tsegay's head several times while he was on the ground. At 11.46am, the defendants encouraged the victim towards the stairs leading out of the nightclub.
The Fatal Push Down the Stairs
When they reached the top of the stairs, Gilzgi 'launched' Mr Tsegay down the flight while Gebrengus extended his right hand and pushed him forward. Mr Brady explained that Gebrengus was 'adding support' to Gilzgi, who provided the majority of the force.
The prosecutor emphasized, 'The combined forceful efforts of both defendants working together is evidenced by the distance Mr Tsegay travelled through the air before landing on the bottom of the stairs. This was no mere trip or stumble at the top of the stairs following an insignificant push.'
He added, 'We say in using combined force the clear inference is both intended to cause Mr Tsegay really serious harm. We don't suggest the defendants intended to kill.'
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Paramedics attended the club after the venue manager called emergency services shortly before midday on September 26. Mr Tsegay was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead at 6.20pm on September 29. CCTV footage captured the interactions between all three men inside the club, providing crucial evidence for the trial.
Mr Brady acknowledged that initially, Mr Tsegay may not have been entirely blameless in the buildup to the fatal injury. However, he stressed that at the time his injuries were inflicted, Mr Tsegay was not being aggressive, posed no threat, and due to his highly intoxicated state, was not in a position to defend himself against the two defendants.
The trial continues at Birmingham Crown Court as the jury deliberates on the charges of murder against Simon Gebrengus and Bibi Gilzgi.
