A Birmingham man appeared in court after admitting to randomly slapping a woman and kicking a security guard on Broad Street, city centre, while under the influence of alcohol.
Odiba Attah, 41, from Washwood Heath Road, caused fear to a woman by assaulting her without provocation on June 17. When challenged by a bystander acting as a security guard, Attah responded aggressively and delivered a forceful kick to the man’s chest, causing him to fall to the ground.
Representing himself at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 4 August, Attah pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault. When questioned about his actions, he said, “I hadn’t had any wine in about a year. I was a little bit tipsy. It was the wine. It got to me.”
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The prosecutor, Ms Begum, described the incidents: “The first victim was walking along Broad Street towards the city centre when Attah, sitting on a nearby step, slapped her on the right side of her face. She was left frightened and feared further assault. A second victim witnessed this and intervened outside 1A Brindley Place. When he challenged Attah, he became aggressive, punched him, and then kicked him forcefully to the chest, causing him to fall.”
Attah has two previous convictions related to three offences, though none are violent. He denied having issues with mental health, alcohol, or drug problems.
The Magistrates' Chair remarked, “It concerns us that you would slap a complete random person in the street,” but acknowledged his guilty plea would be taken into account.
Attah was ordered to pay a total of £350, including a £50 fine as punitive action and £150 compensation to each victim. Since he receives Universal Credit, these amounts will be deducted from his benefits. Additionally, he must complete rehabilitation activity requirements under probation supervision.