Doorman admits killing father who suffered serious head injuries at charity function

Inderjit Singh Dhariwal, aged 49, was injured at Samsons in Rood End Road, Oldbury in the early hours of November 22. He died the following day in hospital.

Nicholas Salhan aged 37 from Haybridge Avenue, Stourbridge appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Dhariwal.

Another doorman, Jonathan Davies, 43, of Old Bridge Walk, Rowley Regis admitted affray. Both men had previously been accused of murdering Mr Dhariwal.

The charges of murder and manslaughter against Davies were withdrawn. Salhan denied murder and also pleaded not guilty to affray.

Miss Riel Karmy-Jones QC, prosecuting, explained: "The family of the deceased have been consulted and, although there is sadness and unhappiness of their behalf, it has been accepted that these pleas are appropriate in the particular circumstances of the case.

"We now ask that the matter be adjourned for mitigation and a full opening."

The two defendants were remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court today by Judge James Burbidge QC who told them: "You have entered pleas that are accepted by the prosecution and I will proceed to sentence tomorrow."

Pooja, the 21-year-old daughter of Mr Dhariwal, who lived in Langley, paid a heartfelt tribute to him after his death, and said his passing had 'shaken the family as well as the community.'

She continued: "Our father was the kindest soul on the planet. He put everybody before himself and was always willing to help.

"He had many big things to look forward to – his 50th birthday, both of my brothers' 21st birthdays, his granddaughter's first birthday and many more.

"Our dad meant the world to us and his loss has shaken the family as well as the community. Our lives will never be the same without our taxi, our friend, our confidant, our dad."