A man who bit off part of another man's ear during a violent attack in a Birmingham takeaway has been jailed and told he faces deportation.
Sharhad Rahmani, aged 40, was described by a judge as having carried out a 'savage piece of behaviour' at Spices on Soho Road, where he and two other men chased and attacked victim Shamal Abdullah.
The Iranian national bit part of Mr Abdullah's ear off, leaving it disfigured.
Court Proceedings
Rahmani, from Rood End Road, Oldbury, admitted unlawful wounding and was sentenced to three years and seven months at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, May 26. He will likely serve half of that term in custody but was told he would then be handed over to immigration authorities.
As he was led down to the cells, Rahmani reacted angrily and shouted insults towards Judge Peter Cooke, who remained unmoved and replied: 'Nice to see you too Mr Rahmani.'
The Attack
The incident took place around 9pm on April 14, 2024. A Kurdish man approached Mr Abdullah on Soho Road and threatened him with a bottle. Rahmani was one of two other males with the assailant.
Prosecutor Lal Amarasinghe said: 'The three males proceeded to chase Mr Abdullah who sought refuge in Spices takeaway. Mr Abdullah tried to push his body against the door. The three males overpowered the door and started to attack him.'
'The male with the bottle struck Mr Abdullah to the head. Mr Rahmani and the other man assaulted Mr Abdullah. Kicks and punches were thrown and Mr Rahmani bit the ear of Mr Abdullah causing bleeding and disfigurement.'
Bystanders intervened to stop the attack, and one of them was kneed by Rahmani.
Police Investigation
Rahmani was later identified by police, who linked him to the Volkswagen Golf in which the attackers left the scene. In interview, he largely replied 'no comment' except to say that Mr Abdullah was supposedly a 'troublemaker'.
The prosecutor told the court the victim had no previous convictions or cautions, prompting a dismissive laugh from Rahmani in the dock. In contrast, the court heard Rahmani had 29 previous offences.
Defence and Sentencing
Samreen Akhtar, defending, said Rahmani grew up in Iran where his father was killed while protesting against the government. 'He doesn't have family here. He has experienced isolation for a significant period of time. He only managed to make friends in the local area with the Kurdish community. He's not in employment. Alcohol and drugs misuse have played a large part in his offending.'
The barrister also said Rahmani had expressed remorse, but Judge Cooke rejected that, pointing out his dismissive sneering laugh from the dock at the suggestion the victim had no previous criminal convictions.
Judge Cooke said: 'He makes his own facial expressions and he will be alive to the fact I will interpret them.'
Earlier, the judge had stated: 'Mr Rahmani is of interest to the immigration authorities. At the point when he would ordinarily be released the reality in his case is he is likely to be remanded into the custody of the immigration authorities who may well determine he should be deported.'
