A knife-wielding man with a history of violence has been jailed for nearly three years after he stabbed a stranger on a Birmingham bus and threatened a pregnant woman.
By Jason King
A violent repeat offender with 104 previous convictions has been jailed for nearly three years after stabbing a man on a Birmingham bus and threatening a pregnant woman.
Luke Somers, 40, attacked the passenger on the No. 51 bus after wrongly believing he was talking about death. The victim, unaware he had been stabbed, only realised he had been wounded when he returned to his hotel and found a 50mm deep knife injury in his back.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that Somers, who has paranoid schizophrenia and psychosis, had been drinking whisky before launching his attack on October 16 last year.
He first confronted the man at a city centre bus stop, brandishing a knife and warning, “I’ve got a knife, you know.” When the victim boarded the bus to escape, Somers followed, shoved him in the back, and sat opposite him speaking aggressively.
After the man left the bus, Somers turned on another male passenger, dragging him into the aisle and grappling with him. As passengers screamed, a woman tried to intervene, telling Somers she was pregnant—prompting him to aim his knife at her stomach before finally leaving the bus.
Somers, of Bradford Street, Digbeth, admitted unlawful wounding, possessing an offensive weapon, and two counts of threatening others with a blade. He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.
The court heard that he has 57 previous convictions for violent offenses, including assault, robbery, and violent disorder. He told the court he had been trying to manage his mental health issues without support but admitted, “I need help.”
Defending, Antonie Muller said Somers had never gained proper psychiatric control over his condition and struggled when he was transferred to HMP Birmingham, where mental health support was lacking.
Recorder Joe French, passing sentence on February 21, told Somers: “Clearly you are not a man of good character.”
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:
Why a Mental Illness Diagnosis Doesn’t Always Save A Defendant From Jail
A diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and psychosis did not prevent Luke Somers from receiving a prison sentence because the law requires courts to balance mental health considerations with public safety, the severity of the offense, and criminal responsibility.
Under English law, defendants with mental disorders can avoid prison only in specific circumstances. The court must assess:
• Criminal responsibility – A mental health condition does not automatically mean a person is legally insane. Somers admitted his actions, and there was no evidence he did not understand what he was doing.
• Danger to the public – With 104 prior convictions, including violent offenses, Somers posed an ongoing risk. Courts often impose custodial sentences when the public needs protection.
• Impact of intoxication – He admitted drinking whisky on the day of the attack. The law does not excuse criminal acts committed under the influence, even if mental illness is a factor.
• Availability of hospital orders – Courts can impose a hospital order under the Mental Health Act 1983 if treatment in a secure psychiatric unit is more appropriate than prison. However, this requires medical evidence that the offender needs inpatient care. No such recommendation was made in Somers’ case.
Because Somers’ condition did not prevent him from knowing right from wrong, and he had a history of violence, the court sentenced him to prison rather than psychiatric care. However, he may still receive treatment while serving his sentence.
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
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