A GROUP of Stourbridge musicians are getting together to raise funds for a man sentenced to death in America.

Singer Ben Smith has organised an evening of entertainment to support an 11th hour appeal by convicted murderer Lonnie Johnson who is facing execution in Texas.

Ben says 43-year-old Johnson has been the victim of rough justice after his defence lawyer, provided by the state, failed to call any witnesses at his trail.

Ben said: "It is outrageous he is not having a proper defence when his life is at stake, I have been writing to him on death row and he told me what happened, I am positive he had no defence."

Lonnie was condemned to death over the killing of two teenagers in 1990 which he says was an act of self-defence following a racist attack.

He says he was out jogging when the youngsters offered him a lift in their truck before putting a gun to his head and saying: "This is the end of the ride for you".

The father-of-two claims a struggle followed and as he fought for his life the gun fired killing one of his attackers.

He then says the other youth came towards him with a knife and he fired again, his assailant's body was found still clutching the blade.

After his conviction Lonnie was offered a 50 year jail term but refused, saying he would not do time when he was innocent.

Ben believes Lonnie's only hope now lies with the US Supreme Court and funds for proper representation are vital if he is to escape a lethal injection, set for later this year.

The gig will feature Ben, Eddy Morton, Three Blind Mice, Terminus, Graham Wheatcroft and a reading from Richard Clay.

The show is set for Wednesday March 21 at Katie Fitzgerald's, Enville Street.

Entrance costs £5 with every penny raised going directly to Lonnie's legal fund.

Speaking from his cell Lonnie described an incident in 1997 which shows the harsh reality of life on death row.

Lonnie said: "My mother came to visit me, bringing my son and daughter.

"The visit was very emotional because my friend Barefield's family were there too. They were spending their last hours, minutes and seconds with him before his execution.

"Barefield went to his death protesting his innocence, in fact it was his brother who had committed the murder."