A Somali small boat migrant is accused of slashing a welfare officer with a large kitchen knife at a hotel housing asylum seekers, a court has heard.
Alleged attack at Stanwell Hotel
Abdifatah Adani, 22, allegedly stabbed a hotel worker "multiple times" at the Stanwell Hotel in Stanwell, Surrey – near Heathrow Airport, around 6.30pm on Saturday, according to prosecutors. Armed officers from Surrey Police were called to the scene and Adani was later charged with one count of attempted murder.
Prosecutor Lucy Lumsden told Staines Magistrates' Court on Monday that the alleged victim was employed as a welfare officer at the asylum hotel. Police said officers attended to give the worker first aid after receiving calls of an alleged attack.
Victim's injuries
She said: "He had lost a significant amount of blood, was very pale and going in and out of consciousness." Ms Lumsden stated that the alleged victim 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, Ms Lumsden said. Police reported that he was taken to hospital and is now in a "stable condition".
Court appearance and remand
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.
He was remanded in custody to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 17.
