Man who killed well-known Marston Green woman sentenced to life

A MAN who killed his aunt - a much-loved resident of Marston Green - was jailed for life earlier today (Friday).
Gareth Emery, 25, was told he would serve a minimum of nine years after previously pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Dunkley on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Mrs Dunkley, a retired teacher who was well known in the local community, had died following the attack on June 5 last year.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that Emery, who has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, had attacked the 67-year-old outside her Elmdon Road home.
She was punched, kicked and struck with a garden spade, suffering fatal injuries.
Her son Matthew had heard the commotion and was badly hurt while trying to restrain the defendant.
Neighbours, who also tried to help, called police and Emery was arrested nearby.
Following today's court hearing, Mrs Dunkley's family released the following statement:
"We are relieved to have reached the end of this legal process and now we can focus on beginning to rebuild our lives.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the agencies who have worked with us over the last 11 months. West Midlands Police, our legal representation and the Victim Support Service have supported us with empathy, understanding and professionalism.
"In addition, we need to thank family and friends across the community and further afield, who continue to be a source of support.
"We will now concentrate on remembering Anne as she was; full of love, energy and generosity, and the many happy times she shared with so many."
Social media sites had been awash with tributes following Mrs Dunkley's death last summer. Many knew her from her work with the scouts, her time at Hatchford School and as a member of the congregation at St Leonard's Church.
Det Insp Shaun Egan said: "The attack devastated Anne’s family and I cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss they feel.
"I hope that by knowing Emery has been given a life sentence, preventing him from harming anyone again, will be of some comfort to Anne’s family and friends and help them to rebuild their lives."
Emery, of Clinton Road, Shirley, will be detained at a centre for people with serious psychiatric conditions.