A Birmingham family has been left shattered and humiliated after a father and son viciously attacked a relative in his own home, a court has heard. Mohammed Karim, 51, and his son Mohammed Roshan Arif, 22, were convicted following the incident at the victim's residence in Small Heath.
The attack occurred in August 2023 when Karim, described as a 'raging bull,' burst into his brother-in-law's home and began punching and kicking him. Arif joined in, placing the victim in a chokehold. The assault was prompted by accusations that Arif had stolen money from the property.
Sentencing and court outcome
At Birmingham Crown Court on June 26, both men were sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. They were ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity. A restraining order prohibits them from contacting the victim until 2033.
Karim, of Solihull, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Arif, of the same address, was found guilty of the same charge plus intentional strangulation.
Victim's ordeal and impact
The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, described the attack's devastating effect on his physical and mental health. He said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks and panic attacks, and has lived in fear since the incident.
“They humiliated both me and my mother,” the victim said. “Members of the public and family members turned up on the night to record the incident and it was publicised on social media. My mother and I are held in high regard within the community and in the 55 years or more that my mother has lived in the United Kingdom she has never experienced such violence. It's caused sheer embarrassment within the community and has broken relationships.”
Long-term consequences
The victim revealed that his marriage broke down as a result of the trauma. “It has had a huge impact and completely changed my way of life. I have a fear of going out in public, the workplace and meeting and seeing people. I'm always watching my back in the shops and supermarkets,” he added.
The incident took place in front of the victim's elderly mother, who was also present in the home. The court heard that there had been no previous family disputes over property or money. The attack was sparked by the victim's accusation that Arif had stolen money from the address.
Community and family reaction
Speaking after the sentencing, the victim said the family is 'broken and embarrassed' by the events. The case has strained relationships within the close-knit community, with many expressing shock that such violence could occur among relatives.
Both men are now required to comply with the restraining order and complete their community service. Failure to do so could result in them being sent to prison. The victim continues to receive support for his mental health issues.
