Alizaib Azhar, a 19-year-old from Aston, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after stabbing a man with a machete in a dispute related to control over drug dealing territory. The incident began outside a Tesco store, where Azhar challenged the victim for allegedly “shotting”-a street term for drug dealing-in what Azhar considered his area.
Azhar initially confronted the victim by threatening him with a machete, poking it through the window of the victim’s car, a SEAT Leon. Though both men left the scene, Azhar later sought revenge. He changed clothes, enlisted a friend to drive, and tracked down the victim’s vehicle. CCTV footage captured Azhar forcing the victim’s car into the middle of the road before smashing the driver’s window and repeatedly striking the victim in the leg with the machete.
The assault occurred in a busy public area, adding to the seriousness of the offence. The victim managed to escape in his damaged vehicle and was hospitalised for nearly a week. Police were alerted by his erratic driving following the attack.
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During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Azhar initially denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity on CCTV evidence, but was convicted of wounding with intent. His history of convictions for wounding, robbery, and threats with a knife led the judge to declare him “dangerous” and impose a three-year extended licence upon release.
Judge Richard Bond remarked that Azhar’s actions indicated he was working for drug dealers in Aston, using violence to maintain control over the supply area rather than opposing drug activity. The judge highlighted Azhar’s heavy cannabis use, which reportedly involved smoking up to 15 spliffs a day.
Defence counsel Aimee Parkes described Azhar as “naive and immature,” noting his early introduction to crime at age 13 and a disturbing fascination with serious weapons and a violent lifestyle. She acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility and emerging awareness of the impact of his actions on others.
This case shines a light on the dangerous control struggles happening in Aston’s drug markets and the severe consequences for those involved in violent territorial disputes.