Ibrahim Albashir, 34, originally from Sudan, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison alongside an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to attempted murder in Leeds and committing sexual offences in Birmingham, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Albashir, who suffers from catatonic schizophrenia, attacked a woman walking home alone after dining out in the Headingley area of Leeds on the evening of 17 March 2024. The court was told that he grabbed the woman from behind and inflicted up to 30 stab wounds with a broken bottle, injuring her head, neck, and chest. A group of nearby men, including doormen, intervened upon hearing her screams, and only managed to stop the assault after one punch rendered Albashir unconscious.
Judge Robin Mairs described the attack as “frenzied” and noted it was “by good fortune alone” that the woman escaped with relatively minor physical injuries. However, he acknowledged the profound and lasting mental scars she now endures. The victim, 32, spoke via a victim personal statement read in court, describing the lasting anxiety the attack has caused, the constant reminder of a chest scar, and how passing the attack location fills her with panic.
READ MORE: Ex-Birmingham roads chief highlights major risks to drivers amid rise in road tragedies
READ MORE: Major Changes Underway at Birmingham Bullring as Key Stores Close for Refurbishment
The judge highlighted concerns over Albashir’s sexual conduct, citing a sexual assault in a Birmingham hotel as well as incidents involving hospital staff. It was also noted that Albashir exposed himself to a doctor while detained. Judge Mairs observed that the choice to assault a lone female suggested a sexual element to the attack.
According to medical evidence presented at the hearing, Albashir has a diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia. Defence counsel Katherine Robinson stated the attack occurred during a psychotic episode. The court heard of Albashir’s journey to the UK from Sudan, involving travel through Libya, Italy, France, and Calais, aided by people smugglers. He has lived in various UK locations, including Luton, Coventry, Birmingham, and Barrow-in-Furness, before arriving in Leeds.
Two days prior to the attack, police found Albashir in a “trance-like state” with his trousers down in the Headingley area but took no further action at that time. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Lucy Bacon confirmed all experts agreed on Albashir’s diagnosis.
Upon sentencing, Judge Mairs ordered Albashir to be detained indefinitely in a secure mental hospital, with the provision that he will serve the remainder of his sentence in prison if he recovers. Deportation issues were not within the court’s remit.
Detective Inspector Richard James of West Yorkshire Police commended the men who intervened during the attack, stating their swift actions prevented what could have become a murder investigation, and that they also provided initial care to the victim before paramedics arrived.