Odiba Attah, a 41-year-old man from Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham, has been ordered to pay fines and compensation for two assaults committed in the city centre, with the payments to be deducted from his Universal Credit benefits.
On 17 June, Attah, who is unemployed, randomly slapped an unrelated pedestrian walking along Broad Street. When challenged by a security guard who witnessed the incident, Attah became aggressive, throwing a punch and kicking the man forcefully to the chest, causing him to fall to the ground.
Attah admitted to two counts of common assault at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, where he was fined £350 in total. This sum includes a £50 punitive fine and £150 compensation payable to each victim. When asked how he intended to settle the fines, Attah stated, “Deduction of Universal Credit.”
READ MORE: Andy Burnham Urged to Introduce 1.28% Land Value Tax for Households in England
READ MORE: How to Safely Watch Tonight’s UK Partial Solar Eclipse Using a Common Kitchen Item
The court confirmed that these payments would be made through deductions from his benefits, and Attah was warned that failure to pay could result in bailiffs visiting his home to collect goods. Furthermore, he has been required to complete rehabilitation activity requirement days under probation supervision.
During the hearing, Attah represented himself and claimed he did not suffer from mental health issues or substance abuse problems. He attributed his violent behaviour to consuming too much wine, stating, “I hadn’t had any wine in about a year. I was a little bit tipsy. It was the wine. It got to me.”
Prosecutor Ms Begum detailed the events, explaining that the first victim was frightened after being slapped unexpectedly, fearing further assault. The second victim, a security guard, confronted Attah before being attacked himself.
Attah has two previous convictions relating to three offences, though none involved violence. The Magistrate emphasised the importance of timely payment and compliance with court orders.