Birmingham knife attacks case heard in court

23-year-old Jacob Billington from Crosby was killed in the attacks.

Court artist sketch of Zephaniah McLeod
Author: Sophie MerrickPublished 12th Nov 2020

A man accused of murdering a 23-year-old from Crosby and attempting to kill seven other people in a series of knife attacks has had his case heard in court this morning (Thursday 12 September).

27-year-old Zephaniah McLeod, from Nately Grove in Selly Oak, didn't have to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for the hearing.

The attacks took place in the early hours of Sunday 6 September 2020.

Jacob Billington from Crosby was fatally stabbed in the neck, and seven other people were also injured during the series of attacks which took place within a 90 minute period.

One of Jacob's friends, Michael Callaghan was among those injured.

Last month West Midlands Police's chief constable said he is the only remaining victim still in hospital, and that he had been transferred to Liverpool where he is undergoing rehabilitation at a "specialist neurological hospital''.

Today, the Recorder of Birmingham, Judge Melbourne Inman QC, described the circumstances of the case as "very sad'', and set a plea and trial preparation hearing for Thursday 11 February 2021.

A provisional trial date has been set for 28 June 2021.