Man admits killing 76-year-old who was attacked near train station in Birmingham
Omajuwa Scarlett pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Birmingham Crown Court over the death of Alvin Callum near Perry Barr train station last October
A man has admitted killing a 76-year-old who was attacked near a train station last year.
Omajuwa Scarlett pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday in connection with the death of Alvin Callum near Perry Barr train station in Birmingham.
Police were called to Birchfield Road by paramedics at around 9.50pm on October 23 2025 after Mr Callum was found in a serious condition.
Nothing could be done to save him and it was established Mr Callum had been assaulted, West Midlands Police said at the time.
Scarlett, 31, from Perry Barr, was arrested on suspicion of murder the next day, the crown court heard, and was due to face a murder trial but his plea to manslaughter was accepted by the prosecution.
Edward Brown KC, representing the Crown, said Scarlett was not fit to enter any pleas “for a number of months” following his arrest, but his treatment has progressed.
He said: “Expert psychiatric evidence is clear and unanimous, and having discussed the case in detail with the family of the deceased, Mr Callum, the prosecution has taken the decision to accept the plea of guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
“From the moment the defendant was detained, into the weeks and months following, the evidence demonstrates he was very unwell at the time of the incident.”
He added: “The plea that has been entered is acceptable and in reality, it is the only way forward for such a case.”
Scarlett appeared by video link from hospital for the hearing wearing a green Adidas T-shirt and spoke only to enter his guilty plea and acknowledge that he could hear the judge.
Mr Brown said: “In accepting the plea of manslaughter by diminished responsibility, and by his plea, the defendant accepts he intended to kill or cause really serious harm.”
Judge Andrew Smith KC said there was “clear and persuasive evidence on each of the elements of diminished responsibility”.
He said Scarlett would be sentenced on January 8 and was granted permission to appear via video link for the hearing.
He said: “Mr Scarlett, you know you have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.
“I need further information from the doctors who have spoken to and treated you and additional help from lawyers before deciding on what the final outcome of your case will be.
“That will take a little time to be prepared. It will be in the early part of next year that I will sentence you for the offence of manslaughter.
“Between now and then you will remain in custody – in effect, you will remain in hospital.”
The judge paid tribute to the “dignity” shown by Mr Callum’s family in the public gallery, adding: “It is obvious it must be a very difficult day for them.”