“This was a ferocious attack on a defenceless woman"
Carjacker Majid Ali, aged 18, of Sparkhill, Birmingham, was jailed for nine years after he brutally battered a young woman with a hammer, leaving her with permanent sight damage, before stealing her car.
Birmingham Crown Court heard he assaulted the 24-year-old woman as she left the gym before driving off with her car while he was still a teenager.
On March 19, 2019, Blythe Mason-Boyle had just left Energie Fitness on Coventry Road, Sheldon, when she was targeted by Ali, then aged 17.
He repeatedly struck the victim across the head with a hammer before making off in her Audi A1.
The violent attack left Miss Mason-Boyle with a fractured eye socket and several cuts across her face.
As a result of the incident, she now struggles to see clearly through one eye. The victim also needed counselling in order to overcome the trauma of the ordeal.
West Midlands Police released a picture of the victim shortly after the attack.
After the incident was reported, detectives were able to trace the stolen vehicle within 24 hours.
Following intelligence, they also managed to identify Ali as the prime suspect.
A search warrant was executed at his home in Mountford Street. Detectives discovered the hammer hidden underneath a sofa bed.
Ali denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was described as showing “no remorse” as he was convicted of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and wounding.
Detective Constable Rebecca Woodcock, from CID, said:
“This was a ferocious attack on a defenceless woman whose injuries sadly continue to impact her today.
“She has suffered both physical and emotional pain as a result of the happened at the hands of Ali.”
“He has refused to take responsibility for what he did but we’ve helped to ensure he has time to reflect on his savage actions off the streets.”
Birmingham Mail reported that on Thursday, January 30, 2020, the carjacker was sentenced to nine years in prison.
After the sentencing, Miss Mason-Boyle said that she can now move forward with her life after a “frustrating” 10 months. She said:
“This has been a challenging and frustrating 10 months, but justice has been served.
“I would like to think this carries the message that under no circumstances is it ever justified to attack any vulnerable person for a materialistic object.
“I can finally move forward with a life that’s been on hold and bring closure to this chapter.”
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