A Halesowen family man who murdered a loan shark he owed £19,000 has been told he must serve at least 13 years behind bars.

Joseph Fryer, formerly of Hagley Road West, murdered John Brosnan before burning his body so he could only be identified by his dental records.

Both Fryer and his friend, David Alcock, were convicted of Brosnan's murder and handed life sentences in October 2001.

After reviewing the case at London's Royal Courts of Justice on Friday May 11, Mr Justice Field ruled it would be November 2013 before Fryer can apply for parole.

The court heard how Brosnan had made loans to Fryer before demanding large repayments which exceeded the value of the money lent.

Brosnan was lured to Fryer's home where he was viciously attacked before choking on his own blood, though it was never proved whether Fryer or Alcock mounted the attack.

Mr Justice Field said: "Fryer decided Brosnan must be done away with.

"The deceased was put into the boot of his car which was driven to a remote spot and set on fire."

He said in setting the tariff' of 13 years he had taken into account the fact Fryer had been a hard working family man, who had made progress during his time behind bars and expressed genuine remorse for the killing.

Once Fryer, now 44-years-old, has served 13 years he will only be freed if he can persuade the Parole Board he poses no serious threat to the public.

When released, he will remain on perpetual "life licence", subject to prison recall if he puts a foot wrong.