Teenager jailed for knife attack on man in Bartley Green

An 18-year-old has been jailed for a knife attack on a man in Bartley Green.

Zacharia Liburd was jailed for five years and nine months following the attack on on 7 August 2020.

His victim was stabbed in the arm on Ludford Road.

He suffered a stab wound to the arm and two to the chest and had to spend around three weeks in hospital.

Shockingly the attack happened in broad daylight and police received lots of 999 calls.

Liburd – who was 16 at the time - stripped off his clothes in an attempt to evade capture, but was found hiding in a nearby garden wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts and a t-shirt.

While the person he attacked did not wish to support a prosecution, an investigation was launched and the force pursued a victimless prosecution due to the severity of the attack.

The case comprised of CCTV and various witness accounts. Forensic evidence from Liburd’s clothes, which were found in a nearby shed by officers, and the knife used in the attack were presented as evidence.

While on remand in prison for wounding Liburd was involved in a separate incident and further charged with affray and possessing a weapon in prison.

Liburd, who is of no fixed address, pleaded guilty and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court last Wednesday (9 February).

What did police say after the trial?

DC Darren Lennox, who led the investigation case, said: “This was a nasty assault in broad daylight and I am very pleased Liburd has been convicted.

“Anyone who is prepared to use levels of violence like this has no place on our streets. Stabbing someone three times to inflict harm is shocking – there’s no other way to describe it.

“Liburd didn’t care who saw his violent outburst and the influx of 999 calls we received as a result of his behaviour show just how shocking his actions were.

“At West Midlands Police our position on serious violence and knife crime is crystal clear – it is completely unacceptable and anyone found to be involved will be found, brought before the courts and prosecuted.”

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