Telford man receives prison sentence for manslaughter after altercation
David Lane sentenced to 11-and-a-half years for the death of Paul Wilkins
David Lane from Dawley, Telford has been sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter following the death of 58-year-old Paul Wilkins in April 2022.
The sentencing took place at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.
The court heard that Lane confronted Wilkins, the ex-partner of his cousin, at a house on Westerdale Close on the evening of 5th April 2022.
During an altercation outside, Lane's leg injury caused him to fall on top of Wilkins, breaking four bones in Wilkins' neck.
Despite pleas from Wilkins that he could no longer breathe, Lane continued to pin him down.
Upon arrival, emergency services found Wilkins unconscious with Lane still on top of him.
Wilkins was taken to hospital where he died five days later.
Lane was charged with manslaughter in July 2024 after a police investigation.
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.”