Dog Walker Killer Also Guilty of Attempted Murder
Dog walker killer also guilty of attempted – A 28-year-old man convicted of murdering a dog walker has been charged with attempted murder in relation to his landlord. Dawood Safi, an Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK in 2020, stabbed 49-year-old Wayne Broadhurst during a confrontation on 27 October 2025. The incident occurred after Safi attacked Shahzad Farrukh, 45, and a 14-year-old boy with a knife in Uxbridge. Safi pleaded guilty to Broadhurst’s manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility as the legal basis.
The prosecution confirmed Safi was in a psychotic state when the killings took place. He admitted to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Farrukh and causing actual bodily harm to the teenager. A jury is still deciding whether he is responsible for the second attempted murder charge against the boy. During the trial, CCTV footage from nearby properties was presented, showing the aftermath of the attack.
Events of the Attack
Wayne Broadhurst, a street sweeper, died at the scene after being stabbed 14 times. The assault began when Farrukh opened the door to his annex flat in Midhurst Gardens and found Safi wielding a large kitchen knife. He was then stabbed, sustaining puncture wounds to his back and chest. A nearby family intervened after Safi attacked the teenager and Farrukh, with one witness describing the landlord as “staggering around covered in blood.”
“The defendant was no doubt in a psychotic state… does not mean he was incapable of forming an intention to kill,” said Jonathan Laidlaw KC, the prosecutor.
According to Laidlaw, Safi’s mental state did not negate his ability to plan the attack. The defendant had been gripped by paranoia and delusional beliefs, including the idea that people in the UK and his family were controlling him. This mindset was exacerbated by his traumatic childhood, during which he witnessed his father’s murder in Afghanistan over a land dispute at age 10.
Background and Mental Health
Safi, who works as an Uber driver, had sought medical attention days before the incident. He underwent a mental health assessment at Hillingdon Hospital due to hearing voices and visited Hayes Police Station for support. The prosecution revealed that Safi provided a false birthdate upon arrival, making him appear 23 instead of his actual age of 28. He was granted asylum in 2022 by the Home Office.
Following the attack, Safi was tasered and arrested by police shortly after. The court heard that his actions were driven by a “depressive psychosis,” which led to the violent outburst. The trial continues to determine the full extent of his culpability in the case.
Listen to BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Share your story ideas with hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. HM Courts & Tribunals Service provides additional details on the case.
