Police launch murder probe

A murder probe is under way after the death of a Lye father who was found unconscious on a friend's sofa.

Martin Hill is thought to have stayed at a friend's house after an argument but could not be roused the following morning.

He died at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, on Monday and police were called after staff became concerned about the nature of Mr Hill's injuries.

Officers launched an investigation and two people today appeared at Halesowen magistrates accused of murder.

Stephen Ledbury, aged 48, of High Street, Lye and Dawn Cartwright, aged 59, from a separate address in High Street, Lye, spoke only to confirm their name and address. They were remanded in custody and the case was committed to Wolverhampton crown court. The pair will next appear on January 17.

Mr Hill's brother-in-law, Timothy Crumpton, paid tribute to the father-of-one known affectionately as Ben. "Ben will be desperately missed by all his family, particularly his daughter who will be three next week.

"Ben used to say that life is one big party and he really enjoyed life to the full."