Odiba Attah, a 41-year-old from Washwood Heath Road, has been sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after admitting two counts of common assault. The incidents occurred on June 17 in Birmingham city centre, when Attah slapped a woman on Broad Street and later kicked a security guard who challenged him.
Random Attack on Broad Street
Prosecuting, Ms Begum told the court that the first victim was walking along Broad Street towards the city centre when she noticed Attah sitting on a nearby step. Without warning, he slapped her on the right side of her face. The woman was left frightened and feared she might be assaulted again.
The second victim, a security guard, witnessed the incident and saw Attah outside 1A Brindley Place. When the guard challenged him over the assault, Attah became aggressive, threw a punch, and then kicked the guard forcefully to the chest, causing him to fall to the ground.
Defendant Blames Wine
Attah, who represented himself in court, pleaded guilty to both charges on Tuesday, August 4. When asked why he would slap a complete stranger in the street, he told magistrates: "I hadn't had any wine in about a year. I was a little bit tipsy. It was the wine. It got to me." He denied having any issues with mental health, alcohol, or drugs.
The court heard that Attah has two previous convictions for three offences, although none were for violence.
Sentence and Compensation
The Chair of the Magistrates' bench told Attah he would receive credit for his guilty plea but expressed concern: "It does concern us that you would slap a complete random person in the street."
Attah was ordered to pay a total of £350, including a £50 fine as punishment and £150 compensation to each victim. As he lives on Universal Credit, the amount will be deducted from his benefits. He will also have to complete rehabilitation activity requirement days with probation.
