A Birmingham councillor has faced criticism from a judge after providing a character reference for a teenage knifeman involved in a stabbing linked to a drugs turf war.
Azhar Alizaib, who was found guilty of wounding with intent, was sentenced to over six years in prison. The court described him as a “dangerous” offender.
The incident occurred in Aston, where Alizaib, then aged 19, stabbed a man in the leg in what was identified as a revenge attack. Alizaib suspected the victim of dealing drugs in an area controlled by associates he worked for.
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During the sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court last month, Judge Richard Bond addressed a reference submitted by Councillor Mumtaz Hussain (Liberal Democrat, Aston). The judge quoted parts of the letter describing Alizaib as “polite, helpful and of good character” but firmly rejected these claims.
Judge Bond stated: “That’s completely and utterly wrong. This is a constant battle with councillors in this city. It’s been reported previously, other judges have said it as well. Councillors write in saying they are of good character. They are not. He’s got positively bad character. I don’t understand the value of such a reference.”
In legal terms, ‘character’ relates to a person’s previous convictions or lack thereof. Alizaib’s record includes prior incidents involving wounding and robbery with a knife. The judge indicated he was prepared to adjourn proceedings to summon Councillor Hussain to give evidence.
The judge further criticised the reference, quoting parts that described Alizaib as “considerate to those around them,” questioning that claim given the robbery at knifepoint and involvement in drug dealing.
Alizaib’s barrister, Robert Holt, requested the judge to disregard the reference as he had not reviewed the document before it was submitted to the court system.
Councillor Hussain told BirminghamLive that she stood by the reference, explaining: “The comments I made were based on my personal experience and knowledge of Alizaib Azhar as a local resident. Having lived on the same road, I had known him since he was young and, in my own interactions with him over the years, I found him to be polite, respectful and well mannered.”
She emphasised that her reference reflected her personal experience and that she did not support criminal behaviour or violence. She also respected the judge’s decision and affirmed her support for the independence of the judiciary.
The stabbing incident took place near a Tesco in Aston on 20 January last year. Azhar approached the victim, questioned him about drug dealing slang termed ‘shotting’, and then menaced him with a machete through the car window. After leaving the scene, Azhar changed clothes and returned with an accomplice to stab the victim in the leg.
The victim survived but was left with a permanent limp. Alizaib, now 20 and from Brooklyn Avenue, Aston, was convicted of wounding with intent. He received a sentence of six years and nine months imprisonment with an additional three years on licence.
Judge Bond clarified that Alizaib was not convicted of drug dealing but was linked to it through his associates. Barrister Holt described his client as “naive and immature,” noting he appeared addicted to weapons and violence but was beginning to express remorse towards the victim and others affected by his crime.
The court also heard that Alizaib admitted to heavy cannabis use, reportedly smoking up to fifteen spliffs daily.