Man jailed for 11-and-a-half years for Telford manslaughter

David Lane, of Portley Road in Dawley was yesterday, Monday 9 February, sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.

The court heard how on the evening of April 5, 2022, Lane was visiting a cousin at their house on Westerdale Close when Paul Wilkins attended the property. Mr Wilkins was the ex-partner of Lane’s cousin.

48-year-old Lane then confronted Paul and the men got into an altercation outside of the address. During the altercation Lane suffered a serious injury to his leg causing him to fall on top of Paul, landing on his neck breaking four bones.

Despite pleas from Paul that he could no longer breathe, Lane continued to restrain him on the floor.

Emergency services arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the first 999 call to find Paul unconscious with Lane still on top of him.

Officers carried out CPR on Paul, who was taken to hospital, where he sadly died five days later.

Lane was subsequently arrested and an investigation was launched by police. In July 2024 Lane was charged with manslaughter.

A trial was held in September 2025 at Birmingham Crown Court, where Lane claimed he was unable to move due to the injury he sustained to his leg during the altercation with Paul, and that he was unaware of his pleas that he could not breathe.

A jury found Lane guilty of manslaughter, and yesterday Lane was handed an 11-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Whitehead said: “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.

“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.”