Safer Sandwell Partnership Local Police and Crime Board published a domestic homicide review on 26 July 2023.
In line with Home Office guidance, the Partnership (Sandwell’s community safety partnership) commissions and publishes independent reviews into deaths of residents aged 16 or over which have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by a relation, partner or member of the same household.
This review followed Edward* being killed by his older brothers Peter*, who was convicted of murder, and James*, who was convicted of manslaughter. Following their convictions, Peter and James are both serving jail sentences.
Kim Madill, Chair of the Safer Sandwell Partnership, said: “This is a desperately sad case where a family has been left devastated. On behalf of all partner organisations, I offer my sincere condolences to everyone affected.
“We commissioned this independent review to identify areas of learning for organisations both here in the West Midlands and in other parts of the country where family members lived.
“Over the years, a number of agencies had been involved with the three brothers and their wider family. While the report highlights some areas of good practice, it is clear more could have been done to address violent behaviour and provide better support to victims of domestic abuse.
“There is now a much greater awareness among professionals of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) – a key factor in this case – and the report explains how a number of services’ responses would be more robust today with updated safeguarding policies and procedures.
“The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has put in place wide-ranging measures to protect people experiencing domestic abuse and challenge behaviour of those responsible for abuse.
“Organisations in Sandwell, other local authority areas and nationally have accepted the recommendations from this domestic homicide review and made changes.
“A key response has been enhanced training and awareness-raising for professionals across agencies around the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma on people’s behaviour and mental health in adult life.
“Strengthening record-keeping and information sharing – including when people and families move between different areas – continues to be a priority for agencies, to ensure risks are fully assessed and managed.
“While cases like this are thankfully very rare, they are completely devastating for those affected and raise concerns for the local community.
“We will continue to use the learning from this and other reviews to inform the way we tackle domestic abuse, help professionals and agencies to protect people from harm and make sure individuals and their families receive the support they need.”
The Safer Sandwell Partnership would like to thank all professionals, agencies and family members who have contributed to this review.
*Pseudonyms are used for family members in this statement and the anonymised Executive Summary, Overview Report and Key Learning Points in line with Home Office guidance for the publication of domestic homicide reviews. The pseudonyms were agreed with a family member.
Important note: We would like to pass on a request from Edward’s family for privacy and not to be contacted by the media. In the interests of family members, we would ask that anyone who reproduces any material from this review preserves the anonymity of the reports without identifying the victim or individuals by name.
How to access the reports
You can read the Executive Summary, Overview Report and a summary of Key Learning Points, plus a statement from Edward’s family.
Please note that the Executive Summary and Overview Report documents contain descriptions of violence and offensive language which people may find distressing.
Minor redactions have been made to the published versions of the Executive Summary and Overview Report in line with 9.2 of the Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance for the Conduct of Domestic Homicide Reviews (Updated 2023).
Help and support
Support is available in Sandwell for anyone who is suffering from abuse.
Report domestic abuse to the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999. To report non-recent abuse, send officers a message via the Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website.
Seek specialist support from Black Country Women’s Aid on 0121 552 6448, available 24 hours a day. Or text/WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri). Go to the Black Country Women's Aid website to speak to an advisor on webchat. Black Country Women’s Aid supports female and male victims of domestic abuse.
Ask Marc is a service for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. Call 0121 289 6402, email info@askmarc.org.uk or visit the Ask Marc website.
Birmingham LGBT Centre also provides support services.
You can also contact Sandwell Council’s Housing Solutions Team on 0121 368 1166 (Option 2) or email housing_choice@sandwell.gov.uk
If you are worried about your own behaviour towards others, call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040.
Need help after a crime? Victim Support has a free 24/7 helpline 08 08 16 89 111.
People can also seek help from their GP if they are experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse cases are given priority in courts and are always heard before a trained bench and staff who are trained in this field. Specialist third party services are available at courts to support victims and witnesses.
Mental health support – visit our Healthy Sandwell website for a range of support services, including:
Black Country Mental Health Helpline – call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text message 07860 025 281
Samaritans – call for free 24/7 on 116 123
Kaleidoscope Sanctuary Hub – call 0121 289 6111 or 0800 008 6516 (Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm; Sat & Sun 12noon-11pm)
Rethink Mental Illness – call free on 0808 801 0525 (weekdays) to receive practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care and welfare benefits, living with mental illness, medication and care. Family members, friends or members of the public can obtain support.
Sandwell Talking Therapies – speak to your GP, self-refer online or call 0121 612 6650 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) - brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health conditions such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress.
Papyrus (HOPELINEUK for Young People) – call free on 0800 068 4141 (9am-midnight all year round) or text 07860 039 967.
Useful links and information
Domestic Abuse - advice and support
Support available for families affected by domestic homicide
Home Office Feedback Letter on Domestic Homicide Review - feedback from the Home Office feedback letter has been incorporated into the final review reports.
The published version of this Home Office letter contains a redaction in line with 9.2 of the Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance for the Conduct of Domestic Homicide Reviews (Updated 2023).