Jealous Ex Launches Brutal Baseball Bat Attack in Portslade
A jealous ex turned violent in Portslade, driving a car at a man before repeatedly bashing him with a baseball bat. Zaki Idris, 29, from Brighton, has now been jailed for the savage assault.
Pre-Meditated Attack Outside Gym
Idris stalked his victim, a 35-year-old local man, for months. On January 26, he waited in his black Citroen C4 outside Underground Gym on Camden Street. As the victim walked by, Idris floored it – sending the man crashing across the car bonnet and windscreen.
Then Idris jumped out and attacked with a baseball bat. Witnesses say he struck the victim multiple times, shouting death threats.
Dramatic Rooftop Chase and Arrest
The victim fought back, causing Idris to flee. Members of the public gave chase. Police caught up after a rooftop standoff and a chase through neighbouring gardens. Idris was eventually arrested and taken into custody.
A search of his car revealed a claw hammer and a knife – adding to the arsenal of weapons he had ready for violence.
History of Obsession and Stalking
- Investigators uncovered that Idris had previously tried to break into his ex-partner’s home in May 2021 after spotting the victim’s car outside.
- He was caught on police cameras repeatedly near the victim’s car in the months leading up to the attack.
- On the night of the assault, he was spotted near the scene just an hour before the attack kicked off.
Idris faced charges including attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, threats to kill, and possessing an offensive weapon. He was also detained under the Mental Health Act.
Court Verdict and Jail Sentence
At Lewes Crown Court on June 23, Idris pleaded guilty to all charges but denied planning the attack, claiming their encounter was a coincidence.
However, on October 25, the court ruled the assault was pre-meditated. Idris was sentenced to four years and two months behind bars. He also received a five-year restraining order.
Detective Constable Josh Bellamy said: “This was a violent, pre-meditated attack on a man who was, to all intents and purposes, a stranger to Zaki Idris. It is truly miraculous that the victim was not left severely injured or worse.
“Idris then led officers on a chase through gardens and onto rooftops, putting the safety of those officers and members of the public at risk.
“Thanks to the work of neighbourhood policing officers who were first on the scene, what could have been seen as an accidental collision was exposed as an attempt to severely injure an innocent man. As a result of the ensuing, complex investigation, a dangerous individual has been brought to justice.”
