Birmingham Man Receives Four-Year Sentence for Park CS Spray Attacks
A Birmingham man has been jailed for four years after carrying out a series of CS spray attacks on strangers in one of the city's most popular parks, leaving victims terrified they would go blind.
Random Daylight Attacks in Sutton Park
Bradley Baker, 33, of Oscott Road, Birmingham, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, March 16, 2026, after being convicted of four counts of administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy. The court heard how Baker cycled around Sutton Park on August 14, 2024, at approximately 7pm, randomly spraying victims in the face with a CS canister while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The victims, who had no idea why they were targeted or what substance had been sprayed at them, suffered significant irritation and burns to their eyes and skin. During the trial, they described how they genuinely feared they might be permanently blinded by the attacks.
Court Hears of Victim Trauma
Prosecutor Andrew Baker told the court there was "clearly serious harm caused" by the incidents, which "absolutely terrified the victims." Recorder Caroline Goodwin, during sentencing, noted the psychological impact on those attacked, stating: "Their evidence was worrying because they did not understand what they had done to be targeted, to be taken by surprise, why it was that they had been picked out."
The judge emphasized that while the attacks caused irritation and burns rather than permanent damage, the victims understandably believed the situation was life-threatening. She warned Baker that had his actions resulted in long-term eye damage or skin scarring, he would have faced "a very different sentence."
Criminal History and Mental Health Factors
The court was informed that Baker had previous convictions, including for child sex offences, which were considered an aggravating feature in this case. A previous mugshot from 2022 showed him grinning as he was jailed for impersonating a British Transport Police officer.
Psychiatric reports presented to the court gave Baker diagnoses of personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorder attributed to substance misuse. Despite this, defense lawyer Laura Coton told the court Baker appeared "very settled and quite clear in his thoughts" during proceedings, noting he had been taking his medication and working various jobs while in custody.
Additional Charges and Sentencing Remarks
Baker was also convicted of possessing a weapon (the CS spray) and outraging public decency by exposing his bottom during the same incident. Recorder Goodwin described the attacks as "a spree of appalling offending" that occurred in public during daylight hours, adding concern about Baker's willingness to engage in both violent and sexual offending.
The judge acknowledged that "considerable work" had been done to arrange supported housing for Baker upon his release from prison, and that he had been receiving mental health support while in custody. Baker's father was noted to have attended every court hearing and worked to establish support systems for his son.
This case highlights the serious consequences of random attacks in public spaces and the lasting psychological trauma such incidents can inflict on innocent victims enjoying Birmingham's green spaces.
