Handsworth Man Admits Baseball Bat Offence After Curry House Disturbance
A Handsworth man has pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon after arming himself with a baseball bat during a violent disturbance at a local Indian restaurant.
Mathanraj Viveganandan, 36, of Rookery Road, admitted the charge at Birmingham Magistrates' Court following an incident on March 12 that began when he was attacked and threatened by a group of men at his mother's corner shop.
Violent Confrontation Escalates
The court heard how Viveganandan, after being assaulted at his mother's convenience store, retrieved a baseball bat from the premises and proceeded to wave it around at the Special Spices restaurant located next door.
Prosecutor Iszabell Hodoroaba presented CCTV evidence showing the defendant "waving a baseball bat around" in the public area of the restaurant where numerous people were present at approximately 8pm.
Shocking Statement to Police
When officers arrived at the scene, Viveganandan had already dropped the weapon but made a disturbing statement to police, declaring: "Some people p***ed me off, I should have killed all of them."
The defence lawyer acknowledged that while Viveganandan had been "threatened and attacked by a group of men," he should not have returned to the confrontation armed with the baseball bat.
Defendant's Background and Case Adjournment
The court was informed that Viveganandan is married, works in his mother's convenience store, and is considered to be of "good character" despite this incident.
Magistrates have adjourned the case for further reports until June 12, when Viveganandan will return to Birmingham Magistrates' Court for sentencing.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and violent confrontations in the Handsworth area, with this particular case involving weapons being brought into a public dining establishment.
