Jurors at Southwark Crown Court have been shown footage of Dawood Safi, 28, allegedly engaging in a knife rampage that resulted in the death of a dog walker and injuries to his landlord and a young boy. The incident occurred on October 27 of last year in Uxbridge, West London.
Prosecutors allege Safi, who arrived in the UK in 2020, fatally stabbed Wayne Broadhurst, 49, while he was walking his dog. Minutes earlier, Safi is accused of stabbing his landlord, Shahzad Farrukh, and attacking a 14-year-old boy. Safi pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility for Mr. Broadhurst's death and also admitted to causing grievous bodily harm to Mr. Farrukh and actual bodily harm to the boy. However, he denies two counts of attempted murder.
During the trial, the court heard that just two days before the attack, Safi had sought help from medical professionals. He presented himself at a local surgery and Hillingdon Hospital, expressing concerns about family persecution and an addiction to online pornography. An approved mental health practitioner concluded at the time that there was no evidence of a mental disorder requiring hospital attention.
Following the incident, four psychiatrists reviewed Safi and agreed that he was in a "psychotic" state during the attacks. This assessment led prosecutors to drop a murder charge and accept the manslaughter plea. The prosecution is arguing that Safi formed a psychotic intent to kill, which, they contend, still constitutes intent.
Eyewitnesses described Safi as appearing "possessed" during the fatal attack on Mr. Broadhurst. CCTV footage allegedly shows Safi brandishing a knife and, after discarding it, picking it up again to attack Mr. Broadhurst. The 14-year-old boy testified that Safi swung the knife at his head, narrowly missing him.
Members of the public attempted to intervene during the alleged rampage. Responding officers tasered Safi before arresting him. The trial before Mrs. Justice Cutts is ongoing.