An Afghan lorry migrant accused of murdering a dog walker in a knife rampage has admitted stabbing his landlord and a teenage boy. Dawood Safi, 23, knifed Wayne Broadhurst 'approximately 14 times' in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, on October 27 as he walked past with his dog. Broadhurst, a 49-year-old binman, died from his injuries at the scene.
Guilty Plea for Stabbings
Safi has now pleaded guilty to stabbing his landlord Shahzad Farrukh, 45, and a 14-year-old boy in the same attack. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court today via video-link from Broadmoor maximum psychiatric hospital wearing a Nike jacket and white skull cap. The migrant denied attempted murder in relation to Mr Farrukh but admitted causing him grievous bodily harm with intent. He also denied attempted murder in relation to the teenager but admitted causing him actual bodily harm. He admitted possession of a large knife. Safi has not yet entered a plea to murder.
Details of the Attack
Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, previously said: 'At the time of these alleged offences the defendant lived at an address in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, where he rented rooms from Shahzad Farrukh who lived there with his wife. The defendant occupied an annexe which adjoined the home, though we understand he had been asked to leave and was due to move out on 30 October. On 27 October the defendant called Mr Farrukh and asked him to come to the annexe. When he got here he found the defendant holding a large knife with which he began to stab Mr Farrukh.'
Ms Heer said Mr Farrukh ran next door where a neighbour was 'approached by the defendant who still had a knife and who managed to ward him off with her walking stick.' Ms Heer said: 'As that was happening the victim of the murder Wayne Broadhurst happened to walk past, he was walking his dog. When the defendant saw him he attacked him with the knife causing Mr Broadhurst to fall to the ground where he was repeatedly stabbed.' She said Mr Broadhurst was stabbed approximately 14 times.
Victims' Injuries
'The police were called and arrived on the scene soon afterwards where they found Mr Broadhurst lying injured in the street and despite the best efforts of emergency medical services they were unable to save his life and his life was pronounced extinct just before 5.45pm. Mr Farrukh sustained multiple stab wounds and a suspected punctured lung. He's undergone surgery and he remains in hospital.' The 14-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, sustained injuries to his hands but was discharged from hospital on the same day. Mr Farrukh could have died but several neighbours, including one wielding a walking stick, rushed out to help him, the court heard.
Legal Proceedings
Safi will next appear for a further case management hearing on June 2, while his trial is due to begin on July 13. He was granted asylum and leave to remain in 2022. Ms Heer described him as an 'Afghan national who is in this country as a refugee with leave to remain until 2027'. The court previously heard there were concerns about whether Dawood would be mentally well enough to enter pleas. But defence counsel Richard Jory KC had said: '(The psychiatrist has) come to the conclusion that Mr Safi is fit to stand trial.' He added a second expert formed the same opinion.
