Jealous Ex Drives Car at Man and Bashes Him with Baseball Bat in Portslade
A jealous ex has been locked up after launching a brutal attack in Portslade. Zaki Idris, 29, from Brighton, followed his victim for months before violently targeting him last January.
Car Crash and Baseball Bat Barrage
On the night of January 26, Idris waited in a black Citroen C4 outside Underground Gym in Camden Street. As the 35-year-old victim walked by, Idris sped towards him, smashing him against the bonnet and windscreen.
Idris then jumped out and repeatedly struck the man with a baseball bat while threatening to kill him. Witnesses watched in horror as the vicious attack unfolded.
Chase Across Rooftops Ends in Arrest
The victim fought back, prompting bystanders to give chase. Idris fled through nearby gardens and on to the roof of a house, sparking a tense standoff. After a dramatic rooftop pursuit, police finally caught and arrested him.
Officers found a claw hammer and knife in Idris’s car, adding to the arsenal of weapons he brought to the scene.
Evidence Unveils Months of Stalking and Threats
Detectives uncovered a pattern of stalking by Idris. In May 2021, he tried to break into his ex-partner’s home after spotting the victim’s car outside. He was removed without contact but kept photos of the car and registration on his phone.
Police cameras captured him near the victim’s car multiple times in December 2021 and January 2022, including the hour before the assault.
Guilty Plea and Prison Sentence
Idris pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, making threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon. He claimed the attack was a chance encounter, but the court ruled it was premeditated.
He was sentenced to four years and two months behind bars and handed a five-year restraining order.
Detective Constable Josh Bellamy said: “This was a violent, premeditated attack on a man who was, essentially, a stranger to Idris. It’s miraculous the victim wasn’t badly injured or worse.
“Idris’s dangerous rooftop chase put officers and the public at risk. Thanks to the quick work of neighbourhood police, what seemed like an accident was exposed as a planned attempt to seriously harm an innocent man. A dangerous individual has now been brought to justice.”
