Odiba Attah, 41, of Washwood Heath Road, has pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault after slapping a woman and kicking a security guard on Broad Street in Birmingham city centre. The incidents occurred on June 17, and Attah appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court, where he attributed his behaviour to alcohol, telling magistrates: "It was the wine."
Details of the assaults
The court heard that Attah randomly slapped a woman as she walked past him on Broad Street, leaving her frightened and fearing further assault. When challenged by a security guard, Attah kicked him "forcefully to the chest," causing the guard to fall to the ground. The attack was described as unprovoked, and the victims were unknown to Attah.
During the hearing, when asked why he would "slap a complete stranger in the street," Attah responded: "I hadn't had any wine in about a year. I was a little bit tipsy. It was the wine. It got to me." His explanation did not mitigate the severity of the offences in the eyes of the court.
Court outcome and penalties
Attah was ordered to pay a total of £350, comprising £150 compensation to each victim and a £50 fine. The payments will be deducted from his Universal Credit benefits. In addition, he must complete rehabilitation activities with probation, aimed at addressing his behaviour and preventing reoffending.
The case highlights the consequences of alcohol-fuelled violence in Birmingham's nightlife district. Broad Street is a popular area for entertainment, and incidents of this nature are taken seriously by the courts. The sentence reflects the need for accountability and rehabilitation in such cases.
Attah's guilty plea was noted, but the court's decision underscores that intoxication is not an excuse for assault. The compensation payments provide some redress to the victims, while the rehabilitation requirement aims to reduce the risk of future incidents.
