Berhane Tsegay, aged 33, suffered head injuries after being pushed down the stairs at Sebene Habesha in Newtown
12:40, 08 May 2026Updated 14:09, 08 May 2026
Berhane Tsegay, died aged 33, on Septemeber 29, 2025 three days after being pushed sown a steep stairwell at Sebene Habesha nightcliub in Newtown, Birmingham.
A man who was killed at a Birmingham nightclub was a church deacon, his devastated family have revealed.
A heartbreaking tribute has been paid to ‘kind, loving, gentle and humble’ Berhane Tsegay who died from catastrophic head injuries in hospital aged 33, on September 29 last year.
Three days earlier, he had been shoved down a steep flight of steps at Sebene Habesha in Newtown.
FULL STORY: Birmingham killer who pushed man down nightclub stairs jailed for six years
Simon Gebrengus, aged 44, of Anderson Road in Erdington, was jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday (May 5) having pleaded guilty to manslaughter but cleared by a jury of murder.
Bibi Gilzgi, aged 31, of no fixed address, has also admitted manslaughter, but a jury could not reach a verdict on the offence of murder for him and he will face a retrial next year.
Today (Friday, May 8) Mr Tsegay’s family issued a statement through West Midlands Police which said: “We wish to express the profound and devastating impact his death has had on us and our wider community.
“Words cannot fully describe the depth of our loss and the pain we continue to endure.
“Berhane was a kind, loving, gentle, and humble man.
“He was a person of strong integrity, always honest, respectful, and true to his values. He worked hard and was determined to build a stable future for himself and to support his family.
“He was committed to learning new skills, including construction and other trades, and had a strong work ethic and great potential to contribute positively to society.”
They continued: “His faith was central to his life.
“Berhane served as a Deacon both in Eritrea and in the United Kingdom.
“He was respected by his peers, teachers, and clergy for his devotion and character.
“Berhane had a bright future ahead of him, which has been taken away in the most tragic circumstances.
“His loss has left a permanent void in our family and community. We have lost a son, a brother, and a future spiritual leader.
“He brought warmth, laughter, and support to those around him.
“He lived according to his faith and values, and his absence is felt every day in everything we do.
“The impact of his death on our family is immeasurable, and the grief we carry will remain with us for the rest of our lives.”
Simon Gebrengus
Mr Tsegay had been intoxicated at the nightclub and involved in confrontations with both defendants throughout the night.
At one point Gilzgi struck him with a shisha pipe before Gebrengus shoved him to the floor and stamped on his head.
Eventually all three men, all from Eritrea, headed for the nightclub exit which was at the bottom of a flight of steps.
Clear CCTV footage captured what happened at the top as it was alleged Gilzgi threw Mr Tsegay down the stairs.
At the same time Gebrengus extended his own arm and pushed the victim, who tumbled down the stairwell and landed on his head.
Det Sgt Robert Moir, who led the investigation, said: “Gebrengus’s initial account of what happened was inconsistent with what our enquiries found.
“It became clear that he was involved in Berhane’s death, and our team of officers worked hard to bring him to justice for that.
“Throughout our investigation, our thoughts have remained with Berhane’s family, who should be praised for their strength in dealing with this process.”