Abdifatah Adani charged with attempted murder of asylum hotel welfare officer
Aaron Gomes, 32, suffered five knife wounds at the Stanwell Hotel near Heathrow on 3 August
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A 22-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a welfare officer was stabbed multiple times at an asylum hotel in Stanwell, near Heathrow Airport. Abdifatah Adani appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, accused of attacking Aaron Gomes on the evening of 3 August.
Prosecutor Lucy Lumsden told the court that Gomes, 32, was employed as a welfare officer at the Stanwell Hotel. She said Adani stabbed Gomes repeatedly until Gomes lost his balance and managed to escape. Armed officers from Surrey Police arrived to find Gomes pale, losing blood, and drifting in and out of consciousness.
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Injuries and hospital treatment
Gomes suffered five knife wounds, two to his upper body and three to his leg. Lumsden described one injury as significant, with the blade penetrating Gomes’s chest cavity. Surrey Police confirmed Gomes was taken to hospital and remains in stable condition.
Defendant’s background and next steps
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The court heard Adani entered the UK by small boat. He wore a grey tracksuit and required a Somali interpreter during the hearing. Adani confirmed his name, date of birth, and address before being remanded in custody. His next appearance is scheduled for 17 September at Guildford Crown Court.
The Stanwell Hotel, located on London Road in Stanwell, is used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers. Welfare officers like Gomes are employed to provide support to residents. It is unclear whether Gomes and Adani had prior contact at the hotel.
Questions this report answers
+What injuries did Aaron Gomes suffer?
Aaron Gomes sustained five knife wounds: two to his upper body and three to his leg. One injury penetrated his chest cavity, described as significant by the prosecutor. He was treated at hospital and remains in stable condition.
+When will Abdifatah Adani next appear in court?
Abdifatah Adani is due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 17 September. He was remanded in custody after being charged with attempted murder following the stabbing at the Stanwell Hotel.
+What is the Stanwell Hotel used for?
The Stanwell Hotel, near Heathrow Airport, is used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers. It employs welfare officers, such as Aaron Gomes, to provide support to residents staying at the hotel.
+How did Abdifatah Adani enter the UK?
The court heard Abdifatah Adani entered the UK via a small boat. This detail was confirmed during his appearance at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, where he was charged with attempted murder.
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