A 19-year-old named Richard Beckles has denied murdering Trey Johnson, 30, following a fatal stabbing on Christmas Day, Wolverhampton Crown Court has been told. Beckles allegedly stabbed Johnson in the chest with an eight-inch knife near his family home on Burcot Avenue, East Park, Wolverhampton. The court heard Beckles had disputes with Johnson, who was said to be known as ‘Gaza’ due to his violent reputation, after Beckles learned rumours that Johnson had sold drugs to his mother.
Beckles maintains that he acted in self-defence, fearing Johnson planned to stab or shoot him. “At no point did I mean he deserved to die,” he told the court from the witness box.
Prosecutors outlined that earlier on Christmas Day, Richard and his brother Tiego, 21, left Johnson with a fractured eye socket outside the De Fusion club on Exchange Street, a result of the first of two violent incidents that day. Less than half an hour later, Beckles allegedly lunged at Johnson with a large blade, stabbing him with significant force while his brother stood nearby wielding a baseball bat. Johnson collapsed minutes later and died.
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Both Beckles brothers deny charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent on 25 December 2025. Richard also denies having an offensive weapon that day, while Tiego pleaded guilty to possessing a baseball bat as an offensive weapon before the trial.
During the proceedings, jurors heard that both brothers had become aware of rumours suggesting Johnson sold cocaine-known as ‘flake’-to their mother, an NHS nurse at New Cross Hospital. Richard recounted attending the Your House club with his brother and friends, carrying a knife concealed on his person. The group later moved to De Fusion club, where Beckles encountered Johnson. After a brief exchange and a fist pump, the brothers decided to confront Johnson outside about the gossip concerning their mother.
Richard told the court he instructed his brother to remain calm before Tiego struck Johnson. Richard admitted holding Johnson down while Tiego kicked and stamped on him, though he denied intending to cause serious harm. Johnson reportedly threatened the brothers, prompting Richard to fear for his and his family’s safety.
The brothers then drove to their sister’s house, hoping to mislead Johnson about their whereabouts. However, concerns arose that someone was attempting to enter their mother’s home; the brothers believed it was Johnson. They returned to the area, where Richard confronted Johnson’s car. Richard claimed Johnson appeared unperturbed despite damage to the vehicle and later approached him with a threatening gesture.
Fearing Johnson had a weapon, Richard said he swung a knife in self-defence after Johnson allegedly struck at him. Johnson retreated but Richard pursued, believing Johnson might return armed. During the chase, Richard made a jabbing motion with the knife, claiming he did not intend to stab Johnson but wanted him to experience the fear he felt.
After the stabbing, Johnson pleaded for Richard to stop, and the two exchanged words before Johnson’s speech slowed. Richard attempted to staunch the bleeding and offered to call an ambulance. He then informed his mother of the stabbing, who called emergency services.
Video footage captured voices, including one saying “serves you right… for doing that to my mum,” which Richard confirmed was his. He explained that from the initial confrontation, he accepted responsibility for escalating events but reiterated he did not intend for Johnson to die.
Earlier in the trial, Tiego admitted assaulting Johnson outside De Fusion but denied intending serious harm. Although Tiego did not inflict the fatal stab wound, prosecutors argue he bears joint responsibility for Johnson’s death.
The trial is ongoing.