Dawood Safi, 23, an Afghan refugee, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to the manslaughter of Wayne Broadhurst, 49, who was stabbed approximately 14 times in Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, on October 27. Broadhurst, a binman, died at the scene despite emergency services' efforts. Safi also admitted stabbing his landlord Shahzad Farrukh, 45, and a 14-year-old boy in the same attack.
Safi denied attempted murder in relation to Mr Farrukh but admitted causing him grievous bodily harm with intent. He also admitted possession of a large knife. He has not yet entered a plea to the murder charge. Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, told the court that Safi called Mr Farrukh to the annexe where he lived and attacked him with a knife. As the attack unfolded, Broadhurst happened to walk past with his dog, and Safi turned on him, stabbing him repeatedly.
Safi appeared via video-link from Broadmoor maximum security psychiatric hospital. He is an Afghan national who was granted asylum and leave to remain in 2022, with permission to stay until 2027, according to Heer. The court heard that Safi had been asked to leave the property and was due to move out on October 30, just days after the attack.
Mr Farrukh sustained multiple stab wounds and a suspected punctured lung. He underwent surgery and remains in hospital. The 14-year-old boy suffered injuries to his hands but was discharged from hospital on the same day. Safi is due to appear for a further case management hearing on June 2, with his trial scheduled to begin on July 13. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and it is not known what mental health issues led to Safi's placement in Broadmoor.