Teenager who travelled from Leeds to London to fatally stab man in 'savage attack' is sentenced

A teenager has been locked up for life after he travelled more than 150 miles and killed a man in a “savage” knife attack over a personal grudge.

During his trial, Afghan Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, from Leeds, pleaded guilty to murdering shop worker Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, in London on March 27.

On Friday, Judge Angela Rafferty KC sentenced him to life with a minimum term of 25 years for murder and possession of a knife.

The Old Bailey judge said he had stalked Mr Sherzad and travelled from Leeds and ambushed the victim outside his London home.

He subjected him to an “exceptionally violent” and “savage” attack in public, stabbing him at least 10 times, she said.

Judge Rafferty told him: “You were effectively stalking him down like prey. You had a grudge against him based on a false suggestion of misconduct towards a female you are connected with.

“It is not said on your behalf, nor could it be, that you had any justifiable or excusable grievance against this man.”

Tajzai had developed a “personal grudge” towards Mr Sherzad, the court heard.

In victim impact statements, Mr Sherzad’s loved ones described him as a “friendly, polite, respectful person who was always well mannered and tolerant”.

The court heard how he loved cricket, was a “very good fast bowler” and was also hard-working, often working six or seven days a week.

Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC said Tajzai had claimed to be aged 14 when he entered the UK in August 2022, going on to claim asylum the following year.

Frida Hussain, KC, defending, said he was suffering post traumatic stress disorder from exposure to frequent violence in his village and the death of relatives.

In March this year, then aged 18, he killed Mr Sherzad outside his home in Westminster.

On the day of the killing, he armed himself with a kitchen knife and travelled by train from Leeds to London.

He was caught on CCTV arriving at London’s King’s Cross station wearing a medical facemask, a distinctive jacket and dark gloves.

He was tracked on footage walking across London before reaching Mr Sherzad’s home in Abbey Orchard Street.

Mr Sherzad left work at 10pm and cycled home where Tajzai was waiting for him.

CCTV footage showed a scuffle before Mr Sherzad ran “screaming for his life” as Tajzai attacked him, leaving him in a pool of blood.

After fatally injuring Mr Sherzad, Tajai ran away and returned to Leeds by train the next day.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Scotland Yard, said: “Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death. While nothing can ever undo their pain and suffering, we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of justice.

“My team worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this violent and senseless attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.”

In a statement, the victim’s family said: “We as a family are utterly devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and horrific murder of Farmanullah. His life was taken from him in the most cruel and senseless circumstances, leaving a void that can never be filled.

“Farmanullah was a kind, gentle and free-spirited man. He was someone who would not hurt a fly. He lived his life peacefully, treated others with respect and sought only to live in harmony with those around him. It is almost impossible for us to comprehend that someone so harmless and kind has been taken from us in such a violent and tragic way.

“We are deeply shocked and angered by the circumstances surrounding his death. If, as we understand, this was a calculated, heinous and premeditated act, then the enormity of what has happened cannot be overstated. A human life has been deliberately taken, and a family has been left to live with unimaginable grief and loss.”