DJ Paralysed By Nightclub Attack

A brutal nightclub thug, who left a popular DJ paralysed for life following a row over a spilt drink, will be free to maim again in just 15 months.

Iraqi-born Ali Abdul-Hamid, 27, of Lanark Road, Maida Vale, West London left 29 year-old Sami Shariff (pic.top) unable to walk or talk and needing 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

Performing a Latin-music set at the ‘La Bomba’ event at SeOne Club, Weston Street, London Bridge as DJ Sami Sanchez, the victim was accused of spilling the defendant’s pal’s drink.

He was assaulted by the man and after closing-time was pulled from a taxi by Abdul-Hamid, (pic.bottom) thrown against a wall and punched and kicked as he lay helpless on the floor.

The defendant, who fled to his homeland, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Sami on May 4, last year and was sentenced to three-and-half years imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court.

He will be released after serving half that period, minus six months spent on remand following his extradition from Iraq.

Sami travelled to his home in Weymouth Street, Marylebone, but when friends failed to contact him police forced their way in and he was rushed to hospital in critical condition with severe bleeding to the brain.

He was later transferred to Putney’s Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability, making great progress after originally being declared brain-dead (pic.mid.).

CCTV footage of the attack identified Abdul-Hamid as the assailant.

“Sami was an energetic, popular and creative young man who loved spending time with his family and friends and performing as a DJ,” said Detective Constable Suzanne Litton.

“This assault has ruined his life and that of those close to him.

“Sami has suffered significant life changing injuries, he is paralysed on his left side, has lost the ability to speak and is fed via a peg.

“He will spend the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair and will require 24-hour nursing care.

“A minor incident involving a drink has led to this young man's life being destroyed following a senseless attack and nothing can ever be done to bring him back to the person he was before.

“I know that today's sentence will not lessen the pain felt by those that love him, but I sincerely hope that the fact that Abdul-Hamid has been brought before the court to face justice will bring some sense of closure to this tragic event.”