Abdifatah Adani, 22, is accused of using a large kitchen knife to slash a welfare officer at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Stanwell, Surrey, near Heathrow Airport. The attack is alleged to have occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday, according to prosecutors.
Charged with attempted murder
Surrey Police armed officers attended the scene, and Adani was later charged with one count of attempted murder. The victim, Aaron Gomes, was a welfare officer at the hotel, prosecutor Lucy Lumsden told Staines Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Ms Lumsden said Mr Gomes was stabbed multiple times until he lost balance and managed to escape. Police provided first aid, as he had lost a significant amount of blood, was pale, and was going in and out of consciousness.
Injuries and court appearance
Mr Gomes sustained five knife wounds, two to the upper body and three to his leg, including a significant injury to his upper body after the blade penetrated his chest cavity. He was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition.
The court heard that Adani entered the UK via a small boat. Wearing a grey tracksuit and assisted by a Somali interpreter, he confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 17.
