Man pleads guilty to nightclub manslaughter

A man who punched a man outside a nightclub, leading to his death, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

West Midlands Police said Kejuan Malone, 33, hit 51-year-old Kevin Taylor "multiple times" outside DeCode Lounge, Lichfield Street, Walsall, in the early hours of 7 December last year.

Mr Taylor fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement, later dying from his injuries, said the force.

Malone, from Osprey Close, in Hall Green, Birmingham, is due to be sentenced on 12 May.

Police said both men had been customers at the club that evening and there had been a "verbal exchange" between them outside before the attack.

Officers used CCTV footage of the incident to identify Malone and arrested him two days later.

Weeks later, DeCode had its licence revoked.

Malone pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.

Following Mr Taylor's death, his children said: "Dad, you were our hero, a guiding light who taught us love, kindness, and resilience.

"Your generosity and unwavering support touched so many lives, and your memory will forever live in our hearts.

"We love you deeply and will honour your legacy always."

His parents said: "Our beloved son Taisekwa, your kindness and compassion were a blessing to all who knew you.

"You brought joy and pride to our lives, and your selflessness touched hearts far and wide.

"Though you are gone, your legacy of love will forever remain with us.

"We will miss you dearly, our precious child."

Det Insp Dan Jarratt, who led the investigation, said his thoughts were with the victim's family.

"Mr Taylor was enjoying a night out when his life was tragically taken," he said. "Mr Taylor's family have been left devastated by his death, and I just hope this conviction helps just a little as they try to come to terms with what has happened."

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