An Afghan migrant has faced charges in court for allegedly fatally stabbing a dog walker in Uxbridge, west London, and injuring two others.
Safi Dawood, 22, is being prosecuted for the murder of 49-year-old Wayne Broadhurst, as well as for the attempted murder of his landlord and a 14-year-old boy, which occurred on October 27.
During a hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, Mr. Dawood confirmed his identity via videolink from Wandsworth prison, as Judge Mark Lucraft KC established a timeline for the proceedings.
A plea hearing is scheduled for January 12, with a provisional trial expected to last up to three weeks starting on July 20 next year.
The court was informed that Mr. Dawood is an Afghan refugee who is permitted to stay in the UK until 2027.
It is reported that he was set to vacate his accommodation in Uxbridge just three days before the knife assault on October 27.
On the day of the incident, his landlord, Shahzad Farrukh, 45, allegedly discovered him wielding a large knife in the annex where Mr. Dawood was residing.
Mr. Farrukh fled the house seeking help from neighbors in Midhurst Gardens. One neighbor attempted to defend herself by swinging her walking stick at Dawood, which caused him to retreat, according to court statements.
The defendant is also believed to have assaulted a 14-year-old boy before attacking Mr. Broadhurst, who was a complete stranger to him.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC outlined the charges, explaining, “The murder victim, Wayne Broadhurst, simply happened to be passing by. He was walking his dog when the defendant targeted him. He was attacked with the knife, causing Mr. Broadhurst to fall to the ground, where he was stabbed multiple times.”
Ms. Heer noted that despite the immediate efforts of emergency personnel, Mr. Broadhurst succumbed to his injuries at the scene, having sustained numerous stab wounds to his neck, chest, and side.
Mr. Farrukh underwent surgery for significant injuries and remains hospitalized.
The teenager suffered injuries to his hands but was discharged from the hospital the same day.
Mr. Dawood was apprehended near the site of the attacks and subsequently charged with Mr. Broadhurst’s murder, as well as the attempted murder of Mr. Farrukh and the unnamed 14-year-old boy.
Additionally, Dawood faces a charge for possessing an offensive weapon.
He has been remanded in custody.
