TWO teenagers have been convicted of manslaughter after they stole money from a young man who later fell through a window and died.

Samuel O'Brien, of Blandford Road, Whitley, was attacked by Ide Faysal and Abidiqader Shidane, in the early hours of July 2, causing him to flee to a nearby block of flats on Southampton Street.

The 31-year-old victim attempted to exit through a second floor window, but he sustained fatal injuries after falling.

The 18-year-old duo had already left him with a head injury after the initial attack on St Giles Close.

They had also carried out a series of other robberies between May 14 and June 25 in the town centre, using threatening weapons to steal mobile phones and bank cards.

The family of Mr O'Brien have released a tribute to the father of a seven-year-old boy.

They said: “Sam was an extremely popular man, a much loved son and a brother, with everything to live for, and a devoted father to his son, who is devastated.

Reading Chronicle:

“As a family we are united in grief, his loss has deeply affected us all. He had many things planned and had a very bright future ahead of him before his life was so tragically cut short.

“Sam is deeply missed by all of his family and friends and a light has gone out of our lives.

“We have finally got justice for Sam and we would like to thank the police, CPS and barristers for their determination and hard work.”

Police and paramedics were sent to the town centre in the early hours of the morning after he was seen slumped on the pavement on July 2.

Faysal, of Poplar Place, Hayes, was convicted of robbery and manslaughter after trial by a unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court on Thursday.

Shidane, of Crest Gardens, Ruislip, admitted to two counts of robbery, but denied manslaughter. He was also convicted by a unanimous jury after a three-week trial.

Both men were charged in connection with the death in September.

Reading Chronicle:

Detective chief inspector Matt Stone, of Reading Force CID, added: “This was a case in which the offenders travelled to Reading from London to commit violent robberies against lone male victims in the town centre.

“Tragically, on July 2, Samuel O’Brien died after falling from a window having sustained head injuries from the robbery.

“I would like to commend Mr O’Brien’s family for the great courage and humbling dignity they have shown throughout the trial.

“I hope the conviction of those responsible for Mr O’Brien’s death can provide some small measure of comfort for his loved ones going forward.

“This was a complex and challenging investigation and the conviction demonstrates that those who commit violent crime will be dealt with robustly.

“Thames Valley Police is committed to bring to justice those who carry out such offences.”

Emergency services were called to Southampton Street, but O'Brien was declared dead at the scene.

The road was closed for several hours at the junction with Pell Street down to The Oracle.

Faysal and Shidane will be sentenced at a date to be confirmed.