Abdifatah Adani, 22, a Somali migrant who entered the UK via a small boat, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a welfare officer five times at an asylum hotel in Surrey.
The incident occurred at the Stanwell Hotel in Stanwell, near Heathrow Airport, at around 6.30pm on Saturday. Prosecutors say Adani used a large kitchen knife to attack Aaron Gomes, a welfare officer at the hotel.
Court Hearing Details
At Staines Magistrates’ Court on Monday, prosecutor Lucy Lumsden described the attack: “The complainant, Aaron Gomes, was employed as a welfare officer at the asylum hotel. This defendant has stabbed him multiple times until Mr Gomes lost balance before managing to escape.”
Ms Lumsden said Mr Gomes sustained five knife wounds, two to the upper body and three to his leg. Among them was a “significant” injury to his upper body, after the blade penetrated his chest cavity.
Police Response and Condition of Victim
Armed officers from Surrey Police were called to the scene. Police said Mr Gomes was taken to hospital and is now in a “stable condition”.
The court heard that the defendant entered the UK via a small boat. Adani, who wore a grey tracksuit and was assisted by a Somali interpreter, spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Next Court Appearance
Adani was remanded in custody to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 17.
