Extradited Wolverhampton murder suspect in court

A murder suspect accused of killing a reveller at a Bilston nightclub appeared in court this afternoon after being extradited from Jamaica.

Tony Ashman, aged 38, was brought before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court this afternoon to face charges of killing Danny 'Dannyman' McCalla.

The shooting happened at Bilston's Tropical Harmony nightclub in 2009.

Ashman arrived in the UK yesterday after detectives tracked him down to the Caribbean country and was formally charged with murder.

Flanked by two security staff, he appeared in the dock wearing a short-sleeved white short, jeans and a black bandana. He spoke only to confirm his name.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court tomorrow.

Father-of-three Mr McCalla, aged 50, of Hellier Avenue, Tipton, was found with gunshot wounds at the club in Bilston High Street and was taken to New Cross Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

A murder investigation, Operation Bluepathway, was launched and Ashman was identified as one of the suspects.

Ashman was arrested in Jamaica more than 12 months ago and extradition proceedings were launched.

Det Supt Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police CID, said: "This has been a lengthy and complicated investigation into the death of Danny McCalla, however our determination to find the person or persons responsible for his murder has never waivered."

The club was shut down shortly after the shooting.

By Charlotte Cross and Shaun Jepson