Serial Burglar attacked 90-year-old Woman with Chilli Sauce

A prolific criminal has been jailed for nine years and one month after bursting into a 90-year-old woman’s home and squirting her with a hot chilli sauce mix.

West Midlands Police reported that Mohammed Nawaz barged his way into the pensioner’s property in the Hall Green area of Birmingham on August 26, 2020.

The 52-year-old criminal, who has 36 previous convictions for burglary, robbery and theft, targeted his victim because he believed she was home alone.

However, the elderly woman’s son was visiting at the time and he confronted Nawaz after he knocked at the door and forced his way past the victim.

The force said the defendant squirted the hot chilli sauce and water mix from a washing up liquid bottle at both victims.

Nawaz temporarily blinded the 49-year-old son before running off empty-handed.

But he was grabbed in the street by a man who had heard the commotion and walked over to see what was happening.

The man was also sprayed with the chilli sauce mix but he was helped by other passers-by. They managed to pin down Nawaz before police arrived and arrested him on suspicion of attempted robbery.

Officers charged Nawaz with robbery, as well as three counts of administering a noxious substance.

He was jailed for nine years and one month at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, November 13, 2020, after admitting all charges.

Police said Nawaz was also jailed for a similar offence in 2010 when he broke into a 93-year-old’s home in Sparkhill and squirted a substance in their face before stealing items.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Arita Chonkria of the West Midlands Police said:

“We believe Nawaz saw the woman as an easy target, someone he could deceive or quickly steal from, but he hadn’t counted on her son being in the house.

“This was a shocking ordeal for the woman and her son but thankfully neither were seriously hurt.”

“And I hope they can take comfort from the fact the offender has been jailed for several years.

“I also want to thank the man who tackled Nawaz as he tried running off.

“It’s really appreciated – thank-you and we’ll be looking to formally recognise his efforts when our force awards scheme gets back up and running post-Covid.”

The West Midlands Police ensured to pay tribute to the member of the public that came to the aid of Nawaz’s 90-year-old victim on their website for the time being.