United Kingdom: Afghan Migrant Accused of Random Murder ‘May Never Be Fit to Face Trial’

Image: Jihad Watch

An Afghan asylum seeker accused of carrying out a violent triple stabbing in west London may never be mentally fit to stand trial for murder, a court has been told.

Safi Dawood, 22, is charged with the murder of Wayne Broadhurst, a 49-year-old council worker who was walking his dog when he was fatally attacked. According to proceedings at court, Mr Broadhurst sustained approximately 14 stab wounds during the assault and, despite receiving treatment from the Metropolitan Police and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dawood also faces two counts of attempted murder. The additional alleged victims include his landlord, Shahzad Farrukh, and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and has since been discharged from hospital. He is further charged with possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident.

The attack occurred in Uxbridge last year, shortly after Dawood had reportedly been informed that he had only a few days left to vacate an annex at Mr Farrukh’s home due to eviction. Prosecutors allege that the violence unfolded amid tensions surrounding his housing situation.

During a recent hearing, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC informed the court that a psychiatric evaluation had been conducted on Dawood. The examining psychiatrist concluded that the defendant is currently “not fit to plead or stand trial.” However, the medical report did not specify how long Dawood might remain unfit, nor whether he is likely to recover sufficiently to participate in legal proceedings in the future. As a result, the court was told there is uncertainty over whether he will ever be able to face a full criminal trial.

Dawood confirmed his name in court with the assistance of a Pashto interpreter, while a family member observed the proceedings via video link.

It was also disclosed that Dawood arrived in the United Kingdom concealed in a lorry five years ago. He was subsequently granted asylum and leave to remain in 2022, according to the Home Office. Police have stated that Dawood and Mr Broadhurst were not previously known to each other.

The case remains subject to further legal and medical review as the court determines how to proceed given the defendant’s current mental condition.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)