Man jailed after Oxford baseball bat attack

One man was treated for a large head wound

Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 20th Jun 2024

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been sentenced for an assault in Oxford.

Ari Najmadeen, aged 47, of The Slade in Headington, was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail at a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to one count of Section 18 grievous bodily harm – wounding with intent, and one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

At 2.15pm on 13 August 2022, Najamadeen was on Cowley Road when he approached a vehicle being driven by a man in his forties.

Najamadeen, who was carrying a baseball bat, struck the man twice through the window, which was open.

The victim then got out to defend himself and a number of members of the public intervened.

Najamadeen then got into another vehicle and drove off. Officers quickly identified him as the attacker and a short while later, he was arrested at his home address.

The victim received a large wound to his head; he attended the John Radcliffe Hospital but has since been discharged.

Charges were brought against Najamadeen on 18 April 2023.

Detective Constable Chris Bennett, of Oxford CID, said: “I am satisfied that Najamadeen has been sentenced.

“His attack left the injured party with a serious head injury and the consequences could have been much worse.

“I would like to thank the victim for their support in the case, and also the members of public who bravely stepped in, which undoubtedly stopped the incident from escalating further.

“I am pleased that the evidence we secured meant that the defendant had no choice but to plead guilty.

“In Oxford, we take a zero tolerance approach to serious violence and we are committed to investigating thoroughly those who seek to carry out such violence and bring them to justice.”

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