Sunderland barbers shops were sprayed with graffiti after falling out with owners, court told

Sarbaz Rasul Khzri painted “Leave the shop your problem for the people of Sunderland” on Jimmy’s Barbers in Windsor Terrace, Grangetown, and Magic Scissors in Sea Road, Fulwell.

The 22-year-old has now admitted four charges of criminal damage between Tuesday, January 26, and Friday, January 29, at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

He also admitted possession of a bladed article on the Friday after police found a small axe in a bag as they arrested him.

John Graham, prosecuting, said police were called after Khzri was challenged by a passer-by – who had seen social media posts about a spate of incidents – as he attacked the Sea Road business.

"The modus operandi is very similar in each of these offences,” said Mr Graham.

"The premises is spray painted on the front of the property with some writing, quite obscure I might say, saying ‘Leave your shop open for customers’ and ‘crowded people’ and ‘Leave the shop for the people.’

"He has been interviewed and conceded he has been acquainted with the proprietors and there has been a breakdown in the relationship.”

He said Magic Scissors’ owner Shwana Shanhamati put the cost of damage at £100, and was now frightened to be alone in his shop.

Jimmy’s owner Omed Khoshnaw was left with with a £1,320 bill, telling police it had a “massive impact on himself and he doesn’t need the additional financial pressure of the damage to property during lockdown.”

Nicholas Moore, mitigating, said Khzri fled Iran, where he faced being hung due to his political views opposing its government, and arrived in the UK in the back of a lorry as an asylum seeker. He is now a refugee with settled status.

Following the incidents, he was threatened with being beaten up and wanted no part in any trouble.

Mr Moore requested a mental health report, saying Khrzi believed his phone was hacked and was getting electric shocks, heard voices and made references to ‘black magic’.

He added: "These shops were closed at the time, it was the dead of night.”

The case was adjourned until Monday, May 17, with Khzri, of Burdon Terrace in Bedlington, given conditional bail.

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