A "kind-hearted family man" died from serious injuries after falling from a third-floor window while being tasered by police during a late-night incident in Birmingham.
The Fatal Incident
Ayuub Abdi, aged 34, suffered fatal injuries when he fell from the attic room of a Handsworth HMO on September 6, 2023. The incident occurred during what officers described as a "split-second" police interaction that has now become the subject of a ten-day jury inquest.
Police had been called to the Lansdowne Road property shortly before 1am following reports that Mr Abdi had allegedly attacked, bitten and attempted to stab two of his housemates. Body-worn footage shown to the court displayed injuries sustained by the alleged victims.
Police Response and Taser Deployment
Officers arriving at the scene deemed the situation "high risk" after being informed that Mr Abdi was potentially in possession of at least one knife. They had identified the open window in his bedroom as a potential escape route and positioned two officers outside the property to prevent him fleeing.
PC Cheshire told the inquest how he and two colleagues found Mr Abdi topless on a sofa in his cluttered bedroom, with the open window directly behind him. The officer described Mr Abdi as "incoherent and agitated" and recalled him making unusual statements about "the prophet being angry."
As PC Trowsdale attempted to engage verbally with Mr Abdi, asking if he had anything around him, the situation escalated rapidly when Mr Abdi moved towards the window and began climbing out.
The Critical Moments
PC Cheshire testified that he saw the red dot of the taser, heard the discharge and witnessed Mr Abdi fall all happening simultaneously. "It happens simultaneously as we press the trigger - so it happens all at the same time," he confirmed to the court.
The officer admitted he was in shock following the incident and immediately ran downstairs to locate Mr Abdi outside. He described the entire sequence as occurring in a "split second," adding that he didn't recall any warning being given about the taser deployment.
Inspector Ahmed, who was waiting outside the property, reported hearing raised voices followed by an officer shouting "Taser, Taser," the crackle of the weapon, and then a "thump" as Mr Abdi fell. The 34-year-old was found motionless inside the garden wall.
Family Tributes and Ongoing Investigation
Mr Abdi's family have released a smiling photograph of their loved one and paid tribute to his "natural warmth" and kind-hearted nature. The inquest heard evidence suggesting Mr Abdi's behaviour on the night was unusual, with one witness stating he appeared to have "taken drugs or drank something."
An IOPC investigation has been completed with no further action taken against PC Trowsdale, the officer who discharged the taser. However, during questioning, Inspector Ahmed confirmed that he personally would not have deployed a taser on someone attempting to escape through a window.
The inquest continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Mr Abdi's death, including the police response, medical cause of death, and whether the use of taser was appropriate in the circumstances.
