Mohammed Karim, 51, and his son Mohammed Roshan Arif, 22, both from Solihull, were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on June 26 to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. The pair were also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend rehabilitation activities following their conviction for a brutal assault on a family member in Small Heath.
Attack fuelled by money and property dispute
The violence erupted in August 2023 during what the court heard was a bitter disagreement over money and property. Karim forced his way into his brother-in-law's home like a “raging bull”, launching a sustained assault that involved punching and kicking the victim. Arif joined in, placing the victim in a chokehold while the attack was witnessed by the victim's elderly mother.
Onlookers filmed the incident, and the footage was later posted on social media, adding to the humiliation suffered by the victim and his family. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the man said: “They humiliated both me and my mother.”
Victim left with PTSD and marriage breakdown
The court heard that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression as a direct result of the assault. He described living in constant fear and said his marriage had broken down in the aftermath of the attack.
His elderly mother, who was present during the violence, has also been deeply affected, the court was told. The family has been left broken and embarrassed by the actions of the two men, who were meant to be trusted relatives.
Trial and convictions
Both defendants denied the charges but were found guilty following a trial earlier this year. Karim was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while Arif was convicted of the same offence plus intentional strangulation, reflecting the severity of the chokehold.
The judge, passing sentence, highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, including the presence of the victim's vulnerable mother, the premeditated nature of the attack, and the public humiliation caused by the social media footage.
Court orders and restrictions
In addition to the suspended prison sentences and unpaid work, both men have been made subject to a restraining order banning them from contacting the victim until 2033. This means any attempt to approach or communicate with the victim will result in a return to court and likely immediate imprisonment.
The suspended sentence means the two men will avoid jail immediately but could be sent to prison if they commit another offence or breach the terms of their community orders within the next two years. Rehabilitation activities will aim to address their behaviour and reduce the risk of reoffending.
Community impact and support
Detectives involved in the case said the attack was a shocking breach of family trust and expressed hope that the sentences would bring some closure to the victim. Local community leaders in Small Heath have also condemned the violence, urging families to resolve disputes through mediation rather than resorting to aggression.
The case has prompted wider discussion about the impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Organisations such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offer support to anyone affected by similar incidents, and witnesses are encouraged to report incidents to West Midlands Police.
