Man who killed dog walker should be deported, says judge

An Afghan refugee who killed a dog walker and attacked two others in a "frenzy of violence" has been placed under an indefinite hospital order and recommended for deportation, according to a judge. Dawood Safi, 28, stabbed Wayne Broadhurst, 49, during a series of knife attacks that started at Safi’s home in Uxbridge, west London, on 27 October 2025. The incident occurred after Safi, who was experiencing paranoid delusions and hearing voices, attacked his landlord, Shahzad Farrukh, minutes before killing Broadhurst. He also stabbed a 14-year-old boy. Safi admitted to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Mrs Justice Cutts, presiding over the case at Southwark Crown Court, stated that Safi had been “in a psychotic state” during the attacks. She emphasized that the final decision on deportation rests with the home secretary. A Home Office spokesperson called the attack “horrific” and “appalling,” noting that the court has ordered Safi to be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital. They reiterated that foreign nationals committing serious crimes will face legal consequences and that deportation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The judge acknowledged the “devastating” impact of the crime on Broadhurst’s family, describing him as “a hard-working and decent man who was deeply loved.” Broadhurst’s partner, Ann Newman, told the court she had lost her future and faced daily battles with grief and loss. She described how Broadhurst was walking his dog, Harry, when he was attacked as he emerged from an alleyway onto the street. Safi, appearing via video link from High Security Broadmoor Hospital, was born in Kapisa province, northern Afghanistan. He entered the UK in November 2020, lying about his age to improve his chances of asylum. He worked as an Uber driver, pursued a mechanics qualification, and had no criminal record since arriving. Prior to the stabbings, he sought medical help for worsening mental health, including visits to his GP, a mental health assessment, and a visit to police. Doctors concluded that Safi suffered from psychotic depression, leading to the violent acts. Dr Elliott Carthy, who evaluated Safi at Broadmoor, noted his “paranoid and persecutory beliefs” and the influence of voices in his mind. He suggested a hospital order with restrictions would best protect the public going forward. Safi is expected to remain at Broadmoor for at least five years before potential transfer to a medium security facility.