Unemployed Odiba Attah, 41, of Washwood Heath Road, will have his court fines and compensation deducted from his Universal Credit after he admitted two counts of common assault at Birmingham Magistrates' Court. The total owed is £350, including a £50 fine and £150 compensation to each of his two victims.
Attah randomly slapped a woman walking along Broad Street in Birmingham city centre on June 17. When a man challenged him over the assault, Attah became aggressive and kicked him 'forcefully to the chest', causing him to fall to the ground. Attah blamed his behaviour on drinking too much wine.
Court Proceedings and Payment Arrangement
During the hearing, when asked how he would pay the fine, Attah replied: "Deduction of Universal Credit!". As he lives off Universal Credit, the court ordered that the amount be deducted from his benefits. The chair of the Magistrates' bench stated: "We will attempt to deduct it from your benefits." Attah was warned that if the deduction fails, it is his responsibility to ensure payment is made.
A collection order was made for the deduction of benefits. Attah was also warned: "If it doesn't get paid bailiffs will come to your home and collect goods." In addition to the financial penalties, he will have to complete rehabilitation activity requirement days with probation.
Details of the Assaults
Prosecuting, Ms Begum described the incident: "On June 17, the first victim was walking along Broad Street towards the city centre. As she walked past, she noticed the defendant was sitting on a nearby step. He firstly slapped her to the right side of her face. She was left frightened. She feared being assaulted again."
"The second victim witnessed the incident. The victim saw the defendant in the area, saw him outside 1A Brindley Place. When challenging the defendant, he became aggressive and threw a punch. He kicked him forcefully to the chest, forcing him to fall to the ground."
Defendant's Background and Explanation
Attah, who represented himself at court, said he did not have any problems with his mental health, drugs or alcohol. He has two previous convictions for three offences, although none were for violence. Asked why he would "slap a complete stranger in the street", Attah told Magistrates: "I hadn't had any wine in about a year. I was a little bit tipsy. It was the wine. It got to me."
The court's decision ensures that Attah's victims receive compensation, and the financial penalty will be enforced through the benefits system, with bailiffs as a potential consequence if payment is not made.
