A harrowing incident occurred at an asylum seeker hotel on the London border, where two individuals were injured in a meat cleaver attack. The assailant, Sher Wali, 49, of Long Ditton, Surrey, was sentenced to 12 years in prison following the attack.
The violent episode unfolded near the reception area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was being used as an Afghan Citizen Resettlement Centre in Portsmouth Road, Long Ditton, near Surbiton. The attack took place around 2 pm on Sunday, July 9, last year.
Wali approached a group of four men sitting next to the reception area, holding a black plastic bag. He claimed the bag contained a mobile phone and asked one of the men to look at it. However, he then reached into the bag, pulled out a meat cleaver, and proceeded to attack two of the men.
According to Dailymail, Wali was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent at an earlier hearing. He will serve a minimum of eight years before a parole board will decide whether he is fit for release. Following the 12-year sentence, he will also serve an additional four years on licence, meaning Wali could be on licence for up to eight years.
The investigation revealed that Wali’s internet search history indicated the attack was premeditated, which was considered during sentencing. Both victims were left seriously injured as a result of the attack. A lifetime restraining order has also been put in place against Wali for both victims.
Detective Inspector Jon Brushneen, the Senior Investigating Officer of Surrey Police, described the incident as a terrifying event that occurred in the middle of the day in a busy area, witnessed by many people. He expressed hope that the custodial sentence would provide the victims with some closure and allow them to start moving on with their lives.
The case has brought attention to the safety and security of asylum seeker accommodations and the challenges faced by those seeking refuge. The attack not only left physical injuries but also likely caused psychological trauma to the victims and other residents of the resettlement centre. It underscores the importance of providing a secure environment for vulnerable individuals who have already endured significant hardships.
The incident also raises questions about the motivations behind such attacks and the broader societal issues that may contribute to them. Asylum seekers often face prejudice and hostility, and this attack is a stark reminder of the dangers they can encounter even in places that are meant to offer safety and shelter.
The sentencing of Wali serves as a deterrent to others who might consider committing similar acts of violence. It also highlights the role of the justice system in addressing crimes against asylum seekers, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
