A man who inflicted more than 50 blows during a brutal street assault in Handsworth has been cleared of attempted murder by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court.
Violent Incident in Whitehall Road
The court heard that Razvan Mut, 35, of no fixed address, attacked Stephen Watts in Whitehall Road, Handsworth, in the early hours of April 11, 2024. The violent episode involved multiple weapons and physical strikes, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries.
Details of the Assault
Prosecutor Oliver Wellings described how Mut stabbed, kicked, and repeatedly hit Mr Watts with a chair leg during the prolonged attack. CCTV footage captured the incident, showing Mr Watts being knocked to the ground before suffering what the prosecution termed an "extreme level of violence".
Mr Wellings told the jury: "There clearly comes a point where he is helpless on the floor following their dispute and from that point the attack conducted by Mr Mut upon Mr Watts became relentless."
He added that Mut descended into a "red mist of rage" during the assault, which involved well over 50 blows to the victim's prone body using various weapons including a knife and a pole.
Victim's Condition and Recovery
Stephen Watts, known locally as 'Frank' and in his 60s, required immediate life-saving treatment including cardiac massage following the attack. He spent time in a coma but ultimately survived, though he has no recollection of the traumatic event due to the severity of his injuries.
Trial Outcome and Sentencing
Following deliberation, the jury decided that Mut did not intend to kill Mr Watts, resulting in a not guilty verdict for attempted murder. However, Mut had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of wounding with intent, as well as possession of an offensive weapon.
Sentencing has been adjourned until April 27, with Mut remaining in custody until that date. The court heard that there had been an initial altercation between the two men, with Mr Watts possibly acting aggressively first and brandishing a weapon, but the prosecution argued that Mut's response was disproportionately violent.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings
The case has highlighted concerns about street violence in the Handsworth area, with the detailed CCTV evidence providing crucial insight into the events of that April morning. The legal proceedings have examined the fine line between violent assault and attempted murder under UK law.
As the community awaits the final sentencing in April, the case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate into life-threatening situations, even when death was not the intended outcome according to the jury's verdict.
