Ibrahim Albashir

Ibrahim Albashir, 34, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a woman in an attack on 17 March 2024. Leeds Crown Court heard that Albashir approached the victim from behind near a pub in Headingley, placing her in a stranglehold and stabbing her up to 30 times with a broken bottle.

The assault was interrupted by security staff who heard the victim's screams and intervened, detaining Albashir until police arrived. The court noted that the victim escaped with minor physical injuries but continues to suffer profound psychological trauma.

Judge Robin Mairs sentenced Albashir to a 25-year prison term and an indefinite hospital order. The court heard medical evidence that Albashir suffers from catatonic schizophrenia, and the judge noted that the offence occurred while the defendant was experiencing a psychotic episode. Under the terms of the sentencing, Albashir will be detained in a secure mental hospital indefinitely, with any future recovery leading to a transfer to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.