FRIENDS and family of a hairdresser who was stabbed to death in Rowley Regis have donated money to help another grieving family in their fight for justice.

Stuart Roe was murdered shortly after leaving the Britannia pub in Halesowen Street, last December.

It has emerged the 34-year-old knew fellow knife-crime victim Ryan Passey and used to cut his hair at his Mr Trim salon in Quarry Bank High Street.

Stuart's family asked for donations at his funeral in February for the Justice For Ryan campaign - which aims to raise £50k to fight for justice after the teenager accused of murdering 24-year-old Ryan walked free from court - even after having admitted stabbing him.

Stuart's family have donated the £472 raised to the campaign which aims to allow the right for victim’s families to challenge serious “perverse” jury verdicts after acquittal.

Jason Connon, spokesman for the Justice for Ryan campaign, said: "Stuart used to cut Ryan's hair and obviously they were both massive Wolves fans.

"Both families have been tragically affected unfortunately by knife crime and we continue to support each other.

"I was contacted by Stuart's auntie Vanessa Austin - who said they wanted to donate to the campaign because they believe it is what Stuart would have wanted.

"Ryan's parents and everybody associated with the campaign is so grateful for the donation."

For details of fundraising events - including a a celebration at the River Rooms in Stourbridge on Sunday April 28 - what would have been Ryan's 26th birthday - visit the website www.justiceforryan.org/.

Kobe Murray, aged 19, of The Broadway, Dudley, was cleared of any wrong-doing in relation to the tragic death of Ryan, from Quarry Bank, at Chicago's nightspot in Stourbridge Town Centre in August 2017 - despite having told jurors he "felt bone" as he pushed out forcefully, while holding a knife.

Martyn Turley, aged 57, of Whitehouse Street, Tipton, has been charged with murdering Stuart Roe and has appeared at Birmingham Crown Court. His is due to go on trial in June.