POLICE investigating the death of Karl Swift in Halesowen have charged a man with manslaughter.

Dean Hartley, aged 29 from Burnaby Crescent, Sheffield, is appearing before Dudley Magistrates Court today (Wednesday).

Two other men arrested in connection with Karl’s death have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Dean Hartley (snr), aged 51 from Chaucer Road, Sheffield, and Lee Ardron, aged 29 from Broad Inge Crescent, Sheffield, have been bailed to appear before Walsall Magistrates Court on 18 November.

Karl Swift, aged 33 from Yorkshire, was found with serious head injuries on New Road, Halesowen on Friday, September 9.

He was taken to hospital but sadly died from his injuries the following day.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Joyce, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, said: "We are still keen to hear from anyone who was in the area on Thursday, September 8 into the early hours of Friday morning.

"We still believe there may have been an incident at the William Shenstone Wetherspoons pub in Halesowen prior to Mr Swift leaving."

He added: "I would urge anyone who was in the pub between 4pm and 10pm on Thursday 8 September who has not yet spoken to us to call my team."

Information can be passed directly to DI Joyce by calling 101 or, to speak anonymously, call the independent char