Afghan Migrant Who Stabbed Dog Walker to Death Receives Hospital Order
Dawood Safi, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, was also found guilty of attempted murder of his landlord.
An Afghan national, Dawood Safi, has been handed an indefinite hospital order after fatally stabbing a dog walker and attempting to murder his landlord. The court accepted Safi's guilty plea to the manslaughter of Wayne Broadhurst on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He was also found guilty following a trial of the attempted murder of his landlord, Shahzad Farrukh, and admitted grievous bodily harm with intent. Safi also pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm against a 14-year-old boy who was caught up in the rampage.
The incidents occurred in Hillingdon, west London, on October 27 of last year. Safi, described by witnesses as appearing 'dead between the eyes' and 'possessed', carried out the attacks after being told by his landlord, Mr. Farrukh, that he had to leave his rented accommodation. Mr. Farrukh, who had recently taken Safi in, was stabbed multiple times in the neck, chest, and back. Safi then attacked Mr. Broadhurst, who was walking his spaniel, Harry, in what prosecutors called a 'ferocious', 'random, frenzied and entirely unprovoked attack.' Mr. Broadhurst sustained 14 stab wounds and died at the scene, with his dog remaining by his side.
Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on whether Safi attempted to murder the 14-year-old boy.
Safi, 28, arrived in the UK illegally six years ago, reportedly on the back of a lorry, and lied about his age, claiming to be 17. He was granted asylum in 2022. His defense stated that he was experiencing psychosis, hearing voices, and suffering from paranoia and delusional beliefs. He had sought help from GP and mental health services in the days leading up to the attacks.
During sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, the Honourable Mrs. Justice Cutts stated that the consequences of Safi's actions were "devastating." The judge determined that Safi's psychosis was the sole cause of his offending and that a prison sentence was not appropriate. Safi is expected to spend "several years" in a high-security hospital and may never be released into the community. The judge also recommended Safi be deported if he were ever released, noting his continued presence in the UK was "to its detriment."
Mr. Broadhurst's family expressed distress over the manslaughter plea, having initially sought a murder conviction. His long-term partner stated her future had been "stolen" from her, and the family remained anxious about the possibility of Safi's future release. Safi had no previous convictions and did not use illegal substances.