Man jailed for murdering Anthony Sharma

A man has been jailed for the murder of Anthony Sharma.

Anthony was killed in November 2023, at a property in Doidge Road, Erdington.

Diogo Bettencourt has been jailed for the murder after being found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court last month.

On the night of 8 November 2023, Anthony was seen going to an off-licence with Bettencourt, before returning to the property in which they both lived at around 10.30pm.

That was the last confirmed sighting of Anthony.

Bettencourt was seen walking outside alone approximately four hours later, where he attempted to use Anthony's bank card to make a cash withdrawal.

Bettencourt callously went on to make several transactions using the card on 9 November, withdrawing cash, and buying goods.

On the morning of 10 November, Anthony's body was found in a sleeping bag, and following calls to emergency services, Bettencourt was arrested at around 1.30pm.

Bettencourt replied no comment when in custody.

A forensic post-mortem found that Anthony had died as a result of multiple injuries including a head injury, and stab injuries.

After pleading not guilty, Bettencourt sat trial at Birmingham Crown Court, where he was found guilty of murder. Bettencourt pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at the start of the trial.

On Monday (15 Dec), the 37-year-old was jailed for 13 years and nine months.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Damian Forrest, said: "Throughout this investigation our thoughts have been with Anthony's family who have patiently waited for two years to see justice be done and we hope that this conviction can ease some of the pain and sadness which they continue to endure.

"Bettencourt's actions were callous as he went about his day having killed Anthony and even went on to use his bank card to make purchases.

"Thankfully, Bettencourt will now be spending a good amount of time behind bars.”