LONDON, ENGLAND – A man in Long Ditton, Surrey, pleaded guilty on Monday to launching a violent attack with a meat cleaver on two men at a local hotel. Sher Wali, 49, admitted to the incident that left his victims with serious injuries. The attack, which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was described as “terrifying” and occurred in broad daylight.
Wali, from Portsmouth Road in Long Ditton, pleaded guilty to two counts of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent at Guildford Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on April 19th. The incident happened near the reception area of the hotel, which was being utilized as an Afghan Citizen Resettlement Centre at the time of the attack.
The victims were attacked with a meat cleaver after Wali approached them with a black plastic bag, which he claimed contained a mobile phone. According to reports, Wali then unexpectedly wielded the weapon, inflicting serious harm on the two men. He was found and subsequently arrested in his room shortly after the assault.
During his interview with the authorities, Wali alleged that he and his family had been subjected to harassment and torment by the victims and other guests. He also stated that his intent was not to kill the two men, but rather to frighten them. Further investigation revealed that Wali had purchased the meat cleaver just days prior to the incident, although he denied any premeditated planning.
Detective Inspector Jon Brushneen, in charge of the investigation, characterized the incident as “terrifying,” emphasizing that it took place in a busy area and was witnessed by numerous individuals. He expressed hope that Wali’s guilty plea would provide some measure of closure to the victims following the violent events that transpired that day.
The sentencing for Wali’s grievous offenses is scheduled for April 19th.