Ibrahim Albashir sentenced to 25 years for Leeds attack

Ibrahim Albashir, a 34-year-old Sudanese asylum seeker, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following a violent attack in Leeds. In March 2024, Albashir targeted a 32-year-old woman as she walked home from a meal, slashing her 30 times with a broken bottle. The attack was reportedly halted by members of the public who intervened after hearing the victim's screams.

During the proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, details emerged regarding Albashir's journey to the United Kingdom. After leaving Sudan, he traveled through Libya and Italy before arriving in France. While in France, he was diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia and spent six months in a mental health unit. However, after being discharged, he stopped taking his prescribed anti-psychotic medication and his asylum claim was rejected in France.

Albashir subsequently entered Britain via Calais with the assistance of people smugglers. Prior to the attack in Leeds, he had been placed in a hostel in Birmingham, where he was accused of sexually assaulting a staff member. He had also resided in several other locations, including Luton, Coventry, and Barrow-in-Furness.