Dawood Safi Detained for Fatal Stabbing of Dog Walker Wayne Broadhurst in West London
Dawood Safi, 19, has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after admitting to the manslaughter of Wayne Broadhurst in west London. Mr Broadhurst, 60, was walking his dogs in a wooded area near Southall Grand Union Canal when he was fatally stabbed by Safi.
The attack, which occurred last January, also left two other individuals with injuries after Safi stabbed them in separate, unprovoked incidents on the same day. One man sustained significant abdominal injuries, while another was stabbed in the arm.
Safi, a permanent resident in the UK who arrived from Afghanistan as an unaccompanied minor in 2020, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. He also admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court heard that Safi, described as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, had been experiencing hallucinations and paranoia. His legal counsel highlighted that the attacks were a consequence of his severe mental health crisis.
The Metropolitan Police stated that Safi's actions were entirely unprovoked and had a devastating impact on the victims and their families. The detention order means Safi will remain in a secure mental health facility until deemed no longer a danger to the public.
