A delivery driver was subjected to a frenzied knife attack, pleading for his life as he was stabbed in the heart during a violent robbery in Birmingham, a court has heard.
'A savage attack that scaled up in malevolence'
Mahamed Mahamad, aged 37, is on trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of the attempted murder of Aqeef Ali. The prosecution alleges the attack, involving at least 29 knife thrusts, occurred on Gibson Road in Handsworth shortly after 3am on July 26 last year.
Prosecutor Andrew Wallace told the jury that this was far from a simple robbery. He described it as a "savage attack that scaled up in malevolence" when the victim refused to hand over his bag.
The terrifying journey home
The court heard that Mr Ali had finished his shift at the DPD depot in Smethwick at around 2.30am and was dropped off in Handsworth to walk the final part of his journey home. Mahamad, who had also arrived in the area by taxi, is alleged to have targeted him after seeing him using his phone.
Mr Wallace stated that Mr Ali became aware of the defendant following him and grew nervous. The confrontation began outside a house equipped with a CCTV camera, which later captured the incident.
"The defendant started shouting, asking where Mr Ali's phone was and what was in his bag," Mr Wallace said. A struggle ensued where Mr Ali held onto his bag "for dear life, literally." The situation escalated rapidly when Mahamad allegedly produced a large, serrated-edge knife.
Neighbours intervene during 'ferocious' stabbing
The prosecutor told the court that Mahamad grew "more aggressive" due to the victim's resistance, with the commotion alerting two neighbours. One witness saw the repeated stabbing, with Mr Ali shouting "don't kill me." It is alleged Mahamad said, "do you want to die tonight?" during the assault.
Mr Ali suffered a stab wound to the heart, requiring life-saving surgery, and an injury to his cheek. Mr Wallace asserted the attack went far beyond a theft, stating: "This was 'I'm going to kill you because you didn't give it to me'."
He directly addressed the jury regarding the 29 knife thrusts: "Ask yourself what are you intending when you thrust a big knife at someone's body that many times?"
Defendant's denial and trial continues
The court heard that Mahamad, of Browns Green, answered no comment in police interviews. He denies both attempted murder and the alternative charge of wounding with intent.
Mr Wallace outlined the defendant's position, suggesting his defence claims the injury was "bad luck" during a robbery, stating: "'It goes with the territory when you are a robber. It was bad luck he got injured while I was intending to rob him'. That's what the defendant was saying."
The trial at Birmingham Crown Court continues.
