Life in prison for a Birmingham man who killed his former friend
Tarik Al-Mitheab claimed the stabbing was in self defence
Last updated 7th Jun 2024
A man who claimed he killed his former friend in self-defence has today been given a life sentence.
Mahmoud Alabdullah, 28, was stabbed and killed as he got out of his car on a street in Bordesley Green in November 2023.
Tarik Al-Mitheab, was found guilty of murder on 29 May, despite claiming to have stabbed Mr Alabdullah in self-defence.
A murder investigation was launched after a passer-by found Mr Alabdullah slumped in his car in Cherrywood Road, in the early hours of 5 November last year. A forensic post mortem revealed that he had died from a stab wound to the abdomen.
The court heard how he had driven to Cherrywood Road to visit a friend. As he travelled along Pikewater Road, he passed Al-Mitheab who was a rear seat passenger of a white BMW
After spotting his former friend, CCTV showed that the white BMW followed Mr Alabdullah into Cherrywood Road.
Al-Mitheab got out and confronted Mr Alabdullah as he sat in his vehicle. As the victim opened his car door, the 22-year-old launched towards him, stabbing him.
Mr Alabdullah got out, but Al-Mitheab continued his attack in the street. He then callously returned to the waiting car which drove away, leaving the victim seriously injured.
Despite the best efforts of medics, he could not be saved and he died in Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth hospital.
The court heard how after the murder, Al-Mitheab was picked up by an associate in another vehicle.
The knife he used to kill Mr Alabdullah has never been recovered.
Throughout his four-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Al-Mitheab maintained his innocence, claiming that he had disarmed Mr Alabdullah of the knife and that he had acted in self-defence.
Today (7 June), he was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years.
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell, from the force's Homicide team said:
"We may never know the true motive behind Mr Alabdullah’s murder, but nothing can justify the senseless violence which ended his life in such tragic circumstances”.
“In his selection and use of a knife, Al-Mitheab knew his actions had the potential to inflict at least, serious harm.
“His disregard for human life is truly shocking and difficult to comprehend
“His callous actions left Mr Alabdullah dying in the street, and the fact that he handed himself in some hours after the attack will offer little comfort to Mr Alabdullah’s family and loved ones.
“His failure to take responsibility for his actions mean that Mr Alabullah’s family and friends may never know why his life was cut so short.
“The family of Mr Alabdullah continue to grieve and although we know today's verdict can never replace their loss, we hope that this verdict gives them some comfort and that they can now start to rebuild their lives.
“I am grateful for the efforts of my exceptional team of investigators, who have worked relentlessly to support the delivery of justice for the victim and his family.”