Mikayla Gumbs, 20, has admitted strangling her then-boyfriend in a Birmingham hotel room in what prosecutors described as an "unprovoked" attack. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2025, inside a hotel in the city centre.
Attack details and court proceedings
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Thursday, July 23, Gumbs pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation. Prosecutor Ms Mallik outlined the case, stating the couple were in a relationship at the time and were staying in a hotel room when the attack happened without warning.
According to Ms Mallik, the victim entered the room and found Gumbs sitting in a chair. As he turned his back to her, she wrapped her right arm around his body and squeezed his windpipe "hard" with both hands, causing him significant pain. The victim described the action as "very quick" and said it took him by surprise. He noted that Gumbs did not say anything during the incident and that he could not see her face, but based on previous mannerisms, he believed she was very angry. He stated there was no reason for her to grab him in that way.
Dispute over duration of strangulation
The court heard that the victim suffered neck pain following the attack. In a witness statement, he claimed the strangulation "felt like" it lasted approximately five minutes. However, Gumbs disputed this, insisting the incident lasted only seconds. Her defence counsel, Vaughn Whistance, said: "She doesn't accept five minutes. That's a very long time. She says it was a matter of seconds, certainly not for five minutes." Mr Whistance added that Gumbs accepted "most" of the victim's account otherwise.
District Judge Michelle Smith noted that the dispute over the length of the strangulation could have a significant impact on the sentence and needed to be resolved before sentencing could proceed. She adjourned the case to August 14 for a hearing to determine the disputed facts.
Background and victim's report
The court further heard that hours after the attack, the victim attended a hospital in the company of Gumbs. While there, a nurse asked whether he wanted Gumbs to remain with him. He declined and later reported the incident to West Midlands Police. Gumbs, of James Watt Drive, Birmingham, has no previous convictions. She was granted conditional bail and ordered not to contact the victim.
Judge Smith warned Gumbs: "We can't deal with the sentencing today. It's important the court hears evidence about the time difference as it will have an effect on the sentence, so it's important this matter is resolved. You must attend. If you don't it will proceed without you."
