Christopher Hollis jailed after stabbing another man in random attack in Birmingham

A man was jailed after he stabbed another man twice in Bartley Green, Birmingham.

Christopher Hollis was in Cromwell Lane on April 4, 2022, letting himself into two houses, both belonging to people he did not know, before stabbing a man on Woodcock Lane.

Hollis, who claimed to have been in a drug-induced psychosis, had been seen by several neighbours throughout the day and had entered both addresses through unlocked front doors, being shown out by the residents on both occasions.

Later on April 4, 2022, his victim was leaving a house on Woodcock Lane when he passed Hollis, who stabbed him twice in the back, in a random attack. Following enquiries, officers identified Hollis and arrested him that evening.

When they arrived, the 40-year-old had two knives with him, and made to attack the officers. He was tasered and arrested after he refused to drop them.

In interview, Hollis, of Woodcock Lane, claimed to not be able to remember the stabbing due to his mental state at the time, and said he had entered the homes in order to get help.

Hollis was given a home drug treatment order, but on April 24, 2023 he was found in possession of a kitchen knife after police were called to a bus on Cromwell Lane. He was duly arrested and charged.

Hollis was sentenced to nine years in prison when he pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on June 5.

DC Darren Lennox, from Force CID, said: “Hollis carried out a random and senseless act of violence against an innocent man.

“Thankfully the injuries caused were not life-threatening, as this could easily have led to a much worse outcome.

“Carrying a knife is both illegal and dangerous, regardless of your mental state and this kind of offence is completely unacceptable.”