A father and his two sons are facing jail for killing a man after their arrest in Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced on November 16.

Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, said: “We know that Lee, Luke and Lewis all knew Darren, but only they know why they targeted him that day. My thought’s remain with Mr Smith’s family at this distressing time, I hope that these pleas bring them some sense of justice being done.”

Luke O’Brien, 36
(Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)

Lee O’Brien, 51
(Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)

Lewis O’Brien, 31
(Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)

Darren’s family previously released a tribute saying: “We as a family are devastated at the loss of our son Darren. He was a caring man and was loved by all who knew him. He was tragically taken from us and this has left a huge void in our lives.”

Friends also shared tributes to Darren – also known as Wiffa – on social media at the time. One pal wrote: “Coming home to the hear the shocking news of Darren Wiffa Smith, his life taken over a personal possession. awful news, rest in peace.”

Police in attendance at a serious incident in Shard End, Birmingham on March 15, 2023.
(Image: Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

Floral tributes at the scene of a violent fatal attack at Heathway Shopping Precinct in Shard End, Birmingham
(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

Another friend described him on social media as ‘having a heart of gold’ and added: “You will be missed fella.” One person wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely gutted, such a great guy.

“I’ve got so many funny memories with you Wiffa until we meet again I will treasure them. Rest in eternal peace.”

Another commented: “RIP Darren Wiffa Smith you deserved so much better than this, you was a true legend, absolutely heart breaking, see you on the other side one day x.”

 Darren Smith was struck multiple times with a wrench after he was ambushed by three men who repeatedly kicked and punched him before fleeing to Devon 

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