Family Disco Turns to Tragedy in West Bromwich Pub Attack
A devoted father of two, Matthew Adams, aged 33, was fatally attacked during a 'family disco' at The Gough Arms on Jowetts Lane in West Bromwich. The violent incident occurred in the early hours of March 19, 2023, and led to his death just four days later.
A Vicious and Sustained Assault
Shortly after midnight, a group of five individuals entered the pub: John Wise (43, from Sandwell), Mark Shorthouse (54, of Church Vale, West Bromwich), Ryan Stanley (31, of Peel Street, West Bromwich), Nichola Stanley (40, from Sandwell), and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named.
The situation escalated after derogatory comments were made towards Matthew's partner. Inside the pub, Matthew was subjected to a brutal assault. He was punched and kicked multiple times in the head and body. The teenage defendant further intensified the violence by picking up a floor sign and using it as a weapon to strike Matthew.
The attack then moved outside the pub, where the violence worsened. Matthew was knocked unconscious for almost three minutes before the assailants fled the scene, leaving him with severe injuries.
Aftermath and Complex Investigation
Despite his considerable pain, Matthew returned home to recover. Tragically, on Thursday, March 23, he was taken to hospital where he suffered a cardiac arrest and died.
A complex investigation was launched by the police, who arrested all five individuals after speaking to witnesses and reviewing extensive CCTV footage from the venue.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, four of the defendants—Wise, Shorthouse, Ryan Stanley, and the 17-year-old—were convicted of murder and violent disorder. Nichola Stanley was found guilty of violent disorder for repeatedly hitting Matthew and others during the incident.
Justice Served and Sentencing Ahead
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport from the Homicide Unit described the attack as brutal and vicious, noting that Matthew was left helpless. The five convicted individuals are now scheduled to be sentenced on January 30.
The police have released the mugshots of the convicted thugs and expressed that their thoughts remain with Matthew's family, whom they thanked for their support throughout the investigation and court process.
