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Student, 18, admits brutal hammer attack in Wolverhampton city centre

A teenager who attacked a schoolboy with a hammer in Wolverhampton city centre has been warned to expect a substantial custodial sentence.

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A police tent outside the Wulfrun Centre in the aftermath of the hammer attack

Daniel Iftikhar, 18, today pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent after he attacked a 16-year-old boy with a hammer in Wulfrun Square, just metres away from Primark and the Wulfrun Centre, on April 15.

He also admitted assaulting another victim at Birmingham's New Street station in February.

The victim of Iftikhar's daylight hammer attack was knocked out by a single blow caught on CCTV, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Primark and the Wulfrun Centre were cordoned off after the attack

Judge James Burbidge QC was told Iftikhar, who had studied at an unnamed university and had a good academic record, launched the first attack in response to a random comment.

As well as admitting the attacks, Iftikhar, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing offensive weapons at Birmingham New Street and in Wulfrun Square.

Iftikhar, of Madin Road, Tipton, also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of the 16-year-old.

'Instant unconsciousness'

Confirming the not guilty plea was acceptable to the Crown and that the charge of attempted murder would not be proceeded with, prosecutor Robert Price told the court: "The attack (in Wolverhampton) was caught on clear CCTV footage.

"It shows the defendant milling around the area, circling the victim and his friend, before delivering a very forceful single blow to the back of his head, which causes him instant unconsciousness."

Interactive map shows where attack happened:

Mr Price said the prosecution had formed the view from the footage that it was "as consistent with an intention to cause really serious injury" as it was with an intention to kill.

Remanding Iftikhar in custody until a sentencing hearing on July 29, Judge Burbidge said: "This was an explosion of violence on two separate occasions by a man who was habitually carrying an offensive weapon, ready to use as he felt it was necessary.

"You have had the good sense to admit your responsibility to the crimes that you have committed.

"They are extremely serious crimes. A substantial custodial sentence must follow."

West Midlands Police said the 16-year-old victim suffered potentially life-threatening injuries in the attack at about 4.30pm on April 15.

No details of his current condition were given to Monday's court hearing.

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