Telford Man Receives 11.5-Year Sentence for Fatal Altercation
A Midland man has been convicted and sentenced for manslaughter after a violent dispute outside a residential property led to the death of his cousin's former partner. David Lane, residing on Portley Road in Dawley, Telford, was handed an 11-and-a-half-year prison term at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal confrontation occurred on the evening of Tuesday, April 5, at a house on Westerdale Close in Doseley, Telford. Lane was visiting a relative when Paul Wilkins, the ex-partner of his cousin, arrived at the property. This encounter quickly escalated into a physical altercation outside the home.
During the struggle, Lane sustained a serious leg injury that caused him to fall onto Mr Wilkins. The fall resulted in Lane landing on Mr Wilkins' neck, breaking four bones. Despite Mr Wilkins' desperate pleas that he could not breathe and requests for Lane to get off him, Lane continued to restrain him on the ground.
Emergency Response and Fatal Outcome
Emergency services were called at 8.04pm, with West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatching three ambulances and a paramedic officer to Grizedale Drive in Doseley. Upon arrival, paramedics found two men requiring urgent medical attention.
The first man, later identified as Paul Wilkins, was in critical condition. He received immediate treatment at the scene before being transported to hospital for further care. The second man, David Lane, had sustained potentially serious injuries and was also taken to hospital for assessment.
Despite officers administering CPR at the scene and rapid hospital transfer, Mr Wilkins tragically succumbed to his injuries five days after the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Defence Arguments
Following a thorough investigation by West Mercia Police, Lane was arrested and subsequently charged with manslaughter in July 2024. The case proceeded to trial at Birmingham Crown Court in September.
During the trial, Lane maintained his innocence, claiming that the leg injury he sustained during the altercation prevented him from moving off Mr Wilkins. He further asserted that he was unaware of Mr Wilkins' pleas regarding breathing difficulties.
However, the jury rejected these arguments and found Lane guilty of manslaughter. The court heard that Lane remained on top of Mr Wilkins for approximately ten minutes following the initial 999 call, by which time Mr Wilkins had lost consciousness.
Police Response and Sentencing
Detective Chief Inspector Jo Whitehead of West Mercia Police commented on the case, stating: "Our thoughts continue to remain with the family and friends of Paul, who tragically lost his life. This case has taken over three years to reach court and I want to thank the team who conducted a thorough investigation securing justice for Paul and his loved ones."
DCI Whitehead added: "We welcome the sentence handed down to Lane, and hope this outcome provides some measure of closure during what has been, and continues to be, an incredibly difficult time for Paul's family and friends."
The 11.5-year prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the fatal consequences of the altercation that began as a domestic dispute outside a Telford property.
