Chiswick Man on the Run After Jail Sentence

Failed to turn up for his trial for violent attack at south coast bar

Abdulmajid Mohamed (left) and Fouad Al Soufah (right). Picture: Sussex Police

October 22, 2024

Sussex Police have issued an appeal to find the whereabout from a man from Chiswick who failed to turn up for a trial at which he was jailed for six years.

Abdulmajid Mohamed, 30, of Oxford Road was convicted in absentia of GBH in relation to an affray that took place in a bar in Hove near Brighton on 25 November 2022. He had initially been remanded in custody after his arrest but was released on bail on appeal.

Along with Fouad Al Soufah, 29, of Lampton Road, Hounslow, and Michael Evans, 29, of Thornbury Road, Isleworth, he was involved in incidents that left one man with a broken ankle and two others with head injuries after they were struck with glass bottles and punched.

A group of friends were celebrating at Rockwater on Hove seafront when three members of the party became involved in altercations with other guests.

The violence began when Mohamed and Al Soufah approached three men outside the venue. Mohamed held two of the men against a marquee and Al Soufah punched one of the men, aged 23, from Southwark, in the face.

Soon after, Mohamed then hit a 23-year-old man from Bromley in the head. An affray ensued prompting party-goers and staff running for safety from the growing violence.

The aggression escalated when Mohamed re-entered Rockwater, grabbed a heavy tequila bottle from behind the bar, and knocked a till to the ground as he left.

Mohamed grabbing a bottle from behind the bar. Picture: Sussex Police

Although the bottle was wrestled from his hands, he managed to re-arm himself with another, and further incidents followed involving all three men.

A few minutes later, a 21-year-old man from Brighton, leaving the venue with two friends, was approached by Evans and Al Soufah. He was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked. Mohamed then joined in, leaving the victim with a broken ankle.

When a 21-year-old man from Chichester attempted to help the victim, Mohamed struck him with a bottle, causing it to shatter and leave deep lacerations on his forehead.

A further man alleged that he was struck by Mohamed with a bottle from behind while he turned away in attempt to call police.

The police were quickly on the scene and Mohamed and Evans were identified and arrested as they attempted to split up and walk away.

Mohamed was charged the next day with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and was remanded to appear before court. Evans was released on bail pending further enquiries.

On 28 November 2022, at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, Mohamed was remanded in custody, but later released on bail following an appeal.

Police enquiries identified Al Soufah as the third man involved, and he voluntarily attended Staines Police Station for an interview on 15 February, 2023.

He and the other two men were charged on 14 September 2023 with a further count of grievous bodily harm with intent and with affray.

At court, Al Soufah was also charged with assault, to which he pleaded guilty on the first day of trial in Hove on 22 July.

On 8 August, the verdicts were delivered and Mohamed was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and for affray. He was found not guilty in relation to a third grievous bodily harm with intent offence, where a 21-year-old reported being struck with a bottle from behind.

Al Soufah was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and of affray. Lastly, Evans was found guilty of affray and of the reduced offence of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

On 24 September, Al Soufah and Evans were sentenced together at Hove Crown Court for their roles in the violent acts. Mohamed failed to appear at court for sentencing and he remains wanted at this time.

In his absence, Mohamed was sentenced to six years in prison. Al Soufah received a four-year sentence, and Evans received a 12-month suspended sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Investigating Officer Jonathan Craze said, “The victims in this case suffered long-lasting injuries, and we are satisfied that these sentences reflect the gravity of the violence inflicted by these three men, who attacked others with little or no provocation.

“We are incredibly grateful to the numerous witnesses who came forward and played a crucial role in uncovering the truth.

“Their cooperation and patience during the investigation and criminal justice process were invaluable, and we extend our sincere thanks to them for their support.”

Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of Mohamed is asked to contact police by calling 999 quoting reference 28 of 26/11/2022.