Two men are standing trial for the manslaughter of Leban Hussein, who died nearly three years after being kicked in the head during a street attack in Handsworth. The incident, which followed an argument on a number 74 bus, left the 38-year-old with severe brain injuries that ultimately led to his death.
Attack and Injuries
On September 13, 2022, Leban Hussein was involved in a dispute with John Guthrie on the bus. After all parties alighted at the junction of Holyhead Road and Wattville Road, a confrontation escalated. CCTV footage shows Guthrie being grabbed by a member of the public, after which Hussein approached and began slapping and swinging his arms. Kristian Haines then walked towards the group and punched Hussein once in the head, causing him to collapse unconscious. As he lay on the ground, Guthrie approached and delivered a forceful kick to his head. Both men then walked away from the scene.
Medical Decline and Death
Hussein was initially taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he remained until December 2022, fed via a tube. He was then transferred to several care homes before developing bronchial pneumonia. He died at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield on July 26, 2025, almost three years after the assault. A post-mortem examination concluded that the kick to the head caused brain injuries which directly contributed to his death. The prosecution asserts that the kick, rather than the punch, was the fatal contact.
Defendants and Trial
John Guthrie, 39, of Witton Road, Aston, and Kristian Haines, 33, of Oxhill Road, Handsworth, both deny charges of manslaughter. The prosecution, led by Sally Howes KC, argues that the two men acted as a 'tag team' and are jointly responsible for the fatal assault. In his police interview, Guthrie claimed that Hussein had slapped and kicked him first, causing him to fall to the ground, and he denied kicking anyone. Haines answered 'no comment' to all questions. The trial continues at Nottingham Crown Court.
Community Impact
The case has drawn attention to the severe consequences of street violence in Birmingham. The victim's family have expressed their grief over the loss of a loved one, whose life was cut short by a senseless attack. The court proceedings are expected to last several weeks, with expert medical testimony and CCTV evidence central to the case.
