Handsworth Shop Worker in Court After Baseball Bat Incident at Curry House
A married man from Handsworth, described as being of 'good character', has found himself in legal trouble after arming himself with a baseball bat during a fight at a local curry house. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 12, led to Mathanraj Viveganandan appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.
Disorder Erupts at Mother's Shop
The court heard that the 36-year-old, who resides on Rookery Road in Handsworth, was working at his mother's corner shop when a disorder broke out. Viveganandan was reportedly attacked and threatened by a group of men during the altercation. In response, he grabbed a baseball bat from the store and proceeded to the Indian restaurant next door, Special Spices, shortly before 8pm.
Prosecutor Iszabell Hodoroaba detailed the events, stating that police were called to the public house following reports of the disturbance. CCTV footage captured Viveganandan engaging in a fight and then returning with the baseball bat. When officers arrived at the scene, he had dropped the weapon on the floor but made a series of alarming statements.
Alarming Comments to Police
According to the prosecution, Viveganandan told the police, 'Some people p***ed me off, I should have killed all of them. I play cricket and if I wanted to hit them in the head, I could have.' He was observed waving the baseball bat around during the incident, which took place in a public setting with other people present, exacerbating the risk of harm.
Mrs Hodoroaba emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that a physical altercation was already underway when Viveganandan intervened with the weapon. She also mentioned that his last conviction was in 2010 and was not similar in nature, highlighting his otherwise clean record.
Mitigating Circumstances Presented
In mitigation, Viveganandan's lawyer explained that the defendant had been threatened and attacked by the group of men, which prompted his actions. The lawyer acknowledged that Viveganandan should not have retrieved the baseball bat and returned to the scene, but pointed out that he remained there and cooperated with authorities.
The weapon was left on the floor at the location, and Viveganandan has accepted responsibility for his actions. His lawyer described him as a 36-year-old married man who works in the convenience store with his mother, underscoring his generally good character apart from this incident.
Case Adjourned for Further Reports
The case has been adjourned for reports until June 12, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment before sentencing. This development serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can arise from impulsive actions during heated situations, even for individuals with no prior significant criminal history.
Local residents in Handsworth have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the importance of community safety and conflict resolution. The court's decision in June will determine the outcome for Viveganandan, who now faces the repercussions of his choices on that fateful evening.
