THE wife of murder victim Ian Kirwan has paid tribute to her "soul mate" and said she will "never recover" from his death.

A 15-year-old boy was convicted of his murder at Birmingham Crown Court today (January 18) following a ten-week trial. 

Mr Kirwan, aged 53, was stabbed to death outside Asda on Jinnah Road in Redditch last March.

READ MORE: 15-year-old convicted of murdering Ian Kirwan after Redditch Asda row

READ MORE: Detective speaks following Redditch murder trial

In a statement released by West Mercia Police following the verdict, Ian Kirwan’s wife paid tribute to him.

She said: “Ian was a big kid; a wonderful person who was full of love, kindness, and generosity. I really miss him in my life.

“I miss his ways that would drive me crazy but he always made me and our family and friends happy and there was never a day that we wouldn’t laugh when he was with us.

“Ian would always make us feel protected, secure, and safe.

“Ian was the better half in our relationship. He gave people chances, was a fountain of knowledge, and was passionate about the world, peace, politics, animals, health, and education.

“Ian would have helped anyone, even someone who had done him wrong. He had the biggest heart, he cared for our family and our friends and always supported them where he could in tough times.”

Mrs Kirwan continued: “The decisions made by the youths on March 8 2022 didn’t just take my husband from me but it also took my life, my plans for the future and has an impact on all my choices I make in life.

“Normally when a person dies, they are surrounded by loved ones and family but because of the tragic circumstances of Ian’s death, he died alone surrounded by strangers who were kind enough to help him. Nobody should ever have to die like that.

“I would love to have one more hug with him. When he left on the evening of March 8 2022 we said goodbye and love you to each other but I didn’t hug him and I can’t explain how much I wish I had.

“I feel scared of the future. I cannot think about it as my life moving forward is alone. Ian was my rock, my soul mate, my husband. I will never recover from his death. Ian didn’t deserve to die, he still had so much to live for.”