Afghan migrant, 18, who stabbed a man to death is a 'traumatised refugee', court hears

Published: 13:12, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 13:16, 23 June 2026 A migrant from Afghanistan who stabbed a man to death in central London lost control because he is a 'traumatised refugee', a court heard.   Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, was found with multiple knife wounds in Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster on March 27 this year before being pronounced dead in hospital. Today, Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, denied murder and knife possession in a public place.  Tajzai appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from HMP Belmarsh wearing a white t-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name, aided by a Pashto language interpreter. Defending Tajzai, Haroon Khattak said: 'A psychiatrist's report was obtained to deal with whether he is fit to plead.' Judge Mark Dennis KC ordered that the remaining documents, including the post-mortem report, be served ahead of the next hearing date on July 24 for further case management. The judge said: 'Firstly, any psychiatric or psychology reports relied upon by the defence have to be served no later than July 21 on the prosecution and the court.  'By the same date, July 21, the full post-mortem report and the download relied upon by the prosecution must be served.  Farmanullah Sherzad (pictured) died after being found with multiple knife wounds on March 27 this year  'There will be a further case management hearing on July 24 - this is not a direction, more of an indication for the prosecution, because there is a degree of uncertainty about the date now. 'If the trial date stands on September 2, then trial documents should be served by August 14.' At this point one of the court's desks suddenly collapsed, making a loud bang that startled the usher, who frantically tried to piece it back together. Judge Dennis added: 'I think that brings to an end the hearing, the court is falling to pieces!' Tajzai, of Beeston, Leeds, denies murder and knife possession in a public place. He is due to stand trial on 2 September. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.