Birmingham headlines 15 December: Bus passenger calls 999 as they hear killer Gary O'Neill tell of fatal attack on his 'best friend'

A bus passenger's timely tip-off led to the arrest of Gary O'Neill in Glasgow, after O'Neill was implicated in the fatal hammer attack on Kenneth Ford in Sparkhill. O'Neill was found with Ford's DNA and was later convicted of manslaughter. His sentencing is scheduled for February 9.

Three men have been jailed for operating a county lines drug network supplying heroin and cocaine from Birmingham into Stratford-upon-Avon. Deon Suleman, Murtaza Rashid and Haidar Ali were all sentenced to lengthy prison terms at Birmingham Crown Court.

Brummie builder Ash Mahoney wins Bricklayer of the Year at the 2023 On The Tools Awards. Owner of Mahoney Brickworks, Ash impressed judges with his expertise and passion. The ceremony held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground highlighted the UK's finest in construction.