Ealing Binman's Killer Convicted of Manslaughter
Dawood Safi was having psychotic incident when he stabbed Wayne Broadhurst
Wayne Broadhurst wearing his Liverpool FC hat. Picture: Met Police
July 20, 2026
A man has been convicted over the killing of Greener Ealing employee Wayne Broadhurst, who died after a violent knife attack in Uxbridge last October. Dawood Safi, 28, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Southwark Crown Court on Monday 13 July, after mental health experts concluded he was suffering from psychotic delusions at the time of the incident.
Safi had originally been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder following a Metropolitan Police investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted the lesser plea after reviewing psychiatric evidence. However, following a trial this week, a jury convicted him on Thursday 16 July of the attempted murder of a 45-year-old man who suffered life-changing injuries. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on a second attempted murder charge relating to a teenage boy, though Safi had already admitted causing actual bodily harm to the same victim.
He has been remanded to a secure hospital ahead of sentencing on Monday 5 October.
Wayne, 49, was stabbed while walking his dog in Midhurst Gardens at around 4.55pm on 27 October 2025. He was not known to Safi. Despite emergency first aid from police officers and paramedics, he died at the scene. Two other victims — Safi’s landlord, 45-year-old Shahzad Farrukh, and a teenage boy — were also attacked. The boy’s injuries were not life-threatening, but Mr Farrukh remains in hospital with life-changing wounds.
Police confronted Safi at the scene, where he refused to drop the knife and was Tasered before being arrested. He was charged two days later and first appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 October 2025.
Dawood Safi. Picture: Met Police
In a tribute released after the conviction, Broadhurst’s family described him as “a kind, caring and loving man who meant the world to us,” adding: “He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome.” They spoke of his devotion to Liverpool FC and said his death had left “an enormous void in our lives that can never be filled.” The family thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they continue to grieve. “Wayne will forever remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Detective Inspector Richard MacKenzie, who led the investigation, said the attack had “a huge impact on the local community,” praising Broadhurst as “a hugely popular member of the community” and commending the bravery of the surviving victims. He also paid tribute to neighbours who intervened and to officers who provided emergency care at the scene. “The physical and emotional consequences of this traumatic incident are likely to be felt for many years to come,” he said.
Earlier court hearings revealed that Safi, an Afghan migrant who had entered the UK without authorisation, had been living as a lodger with Farrukh. During the attack, neighbours attempted to protect the victims, with one reportedly striking Safi with her walking stick to force him back. Around 100 residents later gathered for a candlelit vigil near the scene, laying flowers in memory of Wayne, who colleagues at Greener Ealing described as “a well-respected and dedicated member of our team.”
Safi will return to court in October for sentencing.
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