Anniversary marked by fresh plea on murder

Police today appealed to the public not to shield the killers of a Staffordshire businessman murdered a year ago today. Richard Deakin was shot in his bed.

The shooting happened at his home in Meadway Street, Chasetown, at around 8.10am on Monday, July 5 last year.

Detectives investigating the murder are hoping someone may come forward with information that could lead to his killers being caught. A £20,000 reward has been offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Mr Deakin, aged 27, who ran a Walsall skip hire business, lived with his fiancee Megan and daughters, Ellie, aged five, and Jessica, three.

He was alone in the house at the time of his murder.

The offenders used a black Vauxhall Corsa that was found less than a mile away in Coppy Nook Lane, off Hospital Road, Burntwood.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Garrett, who is leading the inquiry, said: "A year on from Richard's tragic murder, we remain fully committed to bringing his killers to justice."