Reasha Geddes Jailed for Brutal Birmingham Knife Attack on Homeless Man

Hi and welcome to this JK B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:

A man has been jailed for eight years following a knife attack on a homeless man that left the victim in a life-threatening condition.

The incident took place on Dudley Road at around 1:25 a.m. on August 24 last year. A passing ambulance crew rendered aid to the victim and transported him to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.

Disturbing footage of the attack, shared on social media, showed the violent altercation and the group’s complete disregard for the victim’s welfare.

Reasha Geddes, the knifeman, fled the scene and attempted to conceal his involvement by discarding his clothing. However, detectives traced him using CCTV footage. Upon arrest, Geddes admitted to the attack.

Geddes pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

Reasha Geddes was sentenced to eight years for wounding with intent under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and possession of a bladed article under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Both offences reflect serious breaches of UK criminal law.

Wounding with Intent (Section 18)

This offence, one of the most serious non-fatal crimes, requires proof of grievous bodily harm (GBH) or wounding and intent to cause such harm. Geddes’ use of a knife and the life-threatening injuries he inflicted placed this case in the “greater harm” category of sentencing guidelines. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment, but typical sentences range from 6 to 16 years, depending on aggravating factors like the victim’s vulnerability and the public impact of the crime.

Possession of a Bladed Article (Section 139)

Carrying a knife in public without a lawful excuse is illegal and aims to deter violent crimes. Geddes’ possession of a weapon and attempt to conceal his involvement underscored his culpability.

Sentencing and the Guilty Plea

While an eight-year sentence reflects the attack’s severity, Geddes’ guilty plea likely reduced his sentence by up to one-third, sparing the victim a trial and demonstrating some acceptance of responsibility. Without this plea, the sentence might have ranged from 10–12 years.

This case highlights the seriousness of knife crime and the balance courts strike between punishing offenders and recognizing mitigating factors like early admissions of guilt. Understanding such laws ensures citizens can appreciate how justice is applied in these cases.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com