“Matt’s smile and cheeky laugh could cheer up the darkest of days and his sense of humour will always be remembered by us all,” they said.
“Our lives will never be the same, we will continue to remember all those amazing memories we had with Matt, and we will cherish them forever.
“He was the life and soul of our family, and our hearts will be forever broken.
“Our family have seen and heard the horrific violence Matt was subjected to and we are appalled by it, and utterly devastated that Matt lost his life as a result of it with little or no remorse shown from those involved “
Georgina Davies, from the CPS, said: “This was a brutal and sustained group attack on a man who posed no threat. The defendants acted together, delivering a prolonged assault that ultimately cost a life.”
Det Insp Joe Davenport from West Midlands Police added: “Wise, Shorthouse, Stanley and the teenager subjected Matthew to a brutal attack where he was punched, kicked and dragged on the floor. Matthew was left helpless.
“The violence and their desire to keep attacking despite Matthew’s clear injuries was vicious.
“Nichola Stanley repeatedly hit Matthew and others in the pub, adding to the out-of-control disorder.”