A 32-year-old asylum seeker has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after stabbing a man seven times in Birmingham. Brear Hassan, who arrived in the UK in 2023, attacked Erdalan Ali during a street confrontation caught on CCTV.
The footage shows Hassan walking with Mr Ali and a third man on Babington Road in the Soho area when an argument erupted. Hassan then drew a knife and repeatedly stabbed Mr Ali on one side of the street before following him across the road and continuing the attack. He was heard saying, “I should kill you.”
Mr Ali sustained wounds to his shoulder and back and was left with a permanent facial scar. During sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on 1 October, Judge Richard Bond remarked, “Every time he looks in the mirror in the morning he will be reminded of you.”
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Hassan pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a knife in public. The judge ordered that his sentencing remarks be sent to the tribunal considering his pending asylum claim to ensure they fully understand the severity of his actions.
The incident took place on the afternoon of 17 March last year. Judge Bond noted the two men had met before and shared similar asylum statuses. He expressed uncertainty about the cause of the argument but emphasised that nothing justified Hassan’s decision to use a knife.
“Within seconds you stabbed him repeatedly,” the judge said. “Your victim had no opportunity to defend himself. Your persistent behaviour-stabbing him on both sides of the street-was alarming.”
The judge also highlighted the seriousness of the assault, stating that had Hassan targeted a vital part of Mr Ali’s body, the charge could have been murder.
Defence barrister Simon Williams told the court Hassan accepted responsibility and showed remorse. Hassan has no previous convictions and has been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, which the defence agreed did not influence the attack.