A routine evening walk transformed into a dramatic rescue mission for Hamza Albar, a 23-year-old student from Saudi Arabia, whose fearless actions prevented a horrific crime on the streets of Sunderland, United Kingdom. His quick thinking and bravery have been widely praised by the police and the judiciary, highlighting the positive impact of international students and the Muslim community.
A Terrifying Attack Interrupted
The incident took place on December 30, 2024, on Newcastle Road in the Monkwearmouth area of Sunderland. A 42-year-old man, Ian Hodson, followed a woman, threw her to the ground, and attempted to sexually assault her, covering her mouth to stifle her screams.
At that critical moment, Hamza Albar, who was returning from a supermarket, heard the woman's desperate cries. His phone battery was nearly dead, and he wasn't distracted by headphones, allowing him to immediately grasp the severity of the situation. Albar swiftly called the police, relayed the precise location, and then his phone died. Without a second thought, he ran towards the assailant, shouting at him to stop.
The Chase and Restraint
Confronted by Albar, Hodson initially tried to flee. Albar gave chase and, during the struggle, was punched in the face by the attacker. Despite the blow, the adrenaline-fueled student managed to catch and physically restrain Hodson. He then flagged down a passing vehicle and asked the occupants to call the police, who arrived promptly to take the assailant into custody.
While arrested, Hodson also assaulted a police officer. He was formally charged on New Year's Day with multiple offenses, including the attempted sexual assault, the attack on Albar, and assaulting the officer.
Courtroom Praise and Sentence
At the sentencing hearing on November 13, 2025, at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge David M. Gordon commended Albar's "exceptional courage" and "public spirit." The judge emphasized that Albar's intervention was crucial in preventing a more serious crime and ensuring Hodson faced justice.
Ian Hodson was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by five years of probation. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a permanent sexual harm prevention order.
Northumbria Police publicly praised Albar for his decisive action and support of the victim, describing the assault as "horrific." Local media, like the Sunderland Echo, highlighted how his bravery underscores the valuable contributions of immigrants and Muslim communities in Britain.
Reflecting on that fateful evening, Albar said, "The first thing I heard was a scream. I called the police, but my phone died right after I gave them the location. He tried to run, but I caught him. He punched me, but with the adrenaline I didn't feel it. Moments later, officers arrived." His spontaneous act of heroism turned an ordinary night into an extraordinary testament to human courage and civic duty.
