A Syrian refugee who pulled a knife on a stranger outside a Birmingham supermarket and then escaped into a mosque has been jailed for 18 months.
Salah Barzi, 30, of Oval Road, Erdington, pleaded guilty to making threats with a knife at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced on Thursday, August 20.
The court heard that Barzi exchanged tense looks with Reuben Davis near Heron Foods on Erdington High Street on February 27 at about 3.30pm, before one asked the other if they wanted a fight.
Chase in front of onlookers
Barzi then pulled out a knife and chased Mr Davis in front of onlookers, including children. Simon Hanns, prosecuting, told the court: "He saw Mr Barzi, who he didn't know, walking towards him staring at him. Mr Barzi said 'what?' and Mr Davis said words similar. Mr Barzi asked if he wanted to fight and Mr Davis said 'yes'. Mr Barzi pulled out a knife from his clothing and lunged at Mr Davis with the knife and tried to stab him a few times."
Mr Davis tried to escape by crossing the street before entering Heron Foods and throwing something at Barzi to ward him off, according to Mr Hanns.
Barzi then entered a mosque, where he was later arrested. Mr Hanns said: "A street warden saw the incident and gave a similar account. He and a colleague called the police about Mr Barzi's conduct on the High Street. Police found the knife in the communal area of the mosque where he had left it."
Judge's sentencing remarks
Judge George Lubega told Barzi: "There were a large number of people present, as expected on a busy high street. You created a more than minimal risk of serious disorder. You persisted in trying to stab Mr Davis even when he backed off."
Barzi has no previous convictions in the UK. Stephen Sweeney, defending, said Barzi's account was that Mr Davis asked for the fight initially.
Mr Sweeney said: "This man fled war in Syria in 2021, leaving behind his family; siblings and parents. In accordance with the regulations he was unable to work until he was successful in an asylum claim in 2024. Afterwards he became a student which he was at the time of this incident."
Impact on the community
The incident took place on a busy high street in Erdington, with many members of the public present, including children. The judge's remarks highlighted the seriousness of the disorder caused.
Barzi was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the offence, reflecting the severity of the threat posed to the victim and the public.
