Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 30 year-old Hadid Askia of 11 Good Avenue, Buffalo, was convicted, as charged, after a bench trial of Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree before Supreme Court Justice Christopher Burns. 

Askia’s conviction stems from the September 22, 2011 assault on 30 year old Christopher Southerns of 85 Sears, Buffalo.  Askia, while working as a taxi driver, drove the victim to his destination.  After Southerns exited the cab, Askia slashed him across the face several times with a steak knife.  This unprovoked attack was in retaliation for a 2004 incident in which Askia claimed Southerns was involved.  Askia was on federal probation due to a weapons possession conviction. 

Askia faces a maximum prison term of 7 years when he is sentenced before the Hon. Christopher Burns on November 27, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.  The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Ashley M. Morgan.