HAMID AKHONZADA AND HIS BRUTAL ASSAULT IN CHESHIRE AND LONDON
In a disturbing incident that shocked the local community in Runcorn, Cheshire, Hamid Akhonzada, a 26-year-old man with a known history of mental health issues and prior convictions, carried out a savage and unprovoked attack on a 17-year-old boy aboard a bus on May 8 of the previous year.The incident unfolded during a routine journey, but it quickly transformed into a violent and chaotic scene that left victims and witnesses traumatized.
According to court reports, the young boy was accompanied by his 16-year-old girlfriend when the assault occurred.
Akhonzada, who was seated behind them, suddenly grabbed the teenager by the hair and violently pulled him back.
In an act of extreme brutality, he then drew a weapon described as a steak knife across the boy's neck in an attack that has been described by court officials as particularly heinous.
The girl tried desperately to intervene, but was only slightly injured in the process.
The prosecutor, Dafydd Roberts, told Chester Crown Court that Akhonzada held the boy’s head back as he slashed at his neck, causing significant injuries.
The teenager attempted to resist, fighting back as Akhonzada delivered multiple punches—estimated at three or four—before fleeing the bus when it came to a stop.
Emergency services arrived promptly to find the young victim holding a face mask to his neck, which was soaked with blood.
Medical treatment involved applying glue and butterfly stitches to cover six or seven scratches and cuts, which were described as shallow but serious enough to warrant medical intervention.
Further injuries to the boy were documented, including a defensive wound to his little finger, cuts around his eye area, sore ribs, and a grazed knee.
His 16-year-old girlfriend sustained minor injuries as well but did not require significant medical treatment.
The aftermath of the assault has left the victim with lasting psychological effects such as insomnia, flashbacks, night terrors, heightened nervousness, and an aversion to using public transport.
He expressed fears about leaving the house and has become socially withdrawn.
Akhonzada’s arrest took place several days later, on May 14, in Croydon, London, where he had previously resided before being relocated to Runcorn by authorities.
The conviction history of Akhonzada is extensive; he has accumulated ten previous convictions resulting in 23 offences, including multiple assaults on individuals and law enforcement officers, dating back to 2016 and 2018.
His criminal record includes charges of common assault, assaulting a constable, actual bodily harm, and sexual assault, the latter earning him a custodial sentence.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Akhonzada suffers from a major psychotic disorder.
He explained to a probation officer that he left his home carrying a knife because he harbored intentions to stab someone.
He also admitted that during the attack on the bus, he was hearing voices telling him to commit violence, an indication of his mental health struggles that have been longstanding.
In a further incident of violence, Akhonzada was involved in an assault against a prison guard, Michael Bennett, at HMP Altcourse three days after his arrest.
Akhonzada called out to the officer and then punched him, prompting a chaotic altercation that ended with the inmate punching the officer again and causing him to lose consciousness for about two minutes.
CCTV footage captured part of this attack, showing Akhonzada retreating to his cell upon the arrival of a female officer who secured him inside.
The assault left Mr.
Bennett with bumps and bruises and exacerbated his existing PTSD.
The court also considered the mental health condition of Akhonzada, who is currently responding well to medication.
His defense team highlighted his traumatic past, including the murder of his father, witnessing someone being killed during childhood, and the death of his brother in police custody—an event allegedly linked to mistreatment by a corrupt police officer who allegedly beat his sister after she had an affair, leaving her impaired.
Despite his mental health issues, Akhonzada’s violent tendencies appear to be part of a concerning pattern.
The Home Office had previously attempted to deport him, citing his criminal record and mental health challenges, but an immigration tribunal granted him leave to remain due to the risk that he would not receive adequate mental health treatment in Afghanistan, where he originally fled from after suffering multiple traumas.
His relocation to Runcorn was part of official measures, but mental health services did not continue seamlessly following his move, a failure acknowledged by his legal team.
An updated psychiatric report indicated that Akhonzada was now responding positively to medication, and he expressed remorse about the bus attack after viewing video footage.
He wished to apologize directly to his victims.
Nevertheless, Judge Leeming emphasized that his mental disorder does not excuse his violent actions, especially given his history of self-medicating with cannabis and spice, which he noted as evidence of his dangerousness.
During sentencing, the judge described the attack as both spontaneous and shockingly brutal.
Akhonzada was staring at his victim and his girlfriend at the bus stop before boarding, and despite the girl’s attempt to diffuse the tension by smiling at him, he proceeded to carry out the attack during the bus journey, which was witnessed by other passengers.
The judge underscored the seriousness of the injuries inflicted and the fact that the attack occurred in a confined space with vulnerable individuals present.
Concluding his remarks, Judge Leeming detailed the extensive pattern of violence and sexual assault in Akhonzada’s record, noting that the assault in Runcorn was consistent with his history of aggressive behavior.
He highlighted that the prison guard assault further illustrated the defendant’s dangerousness, with Akhonzada remaining unrepentant about his actions.
As a result, he was sentenced to four years in prison, with an additional four years of extended license due to the risk posed to the public.
Akhonzada, residing at Liskeard Close, Brookvale, Runcorn, will serve approximately 32 months before he is eligible for parole.
The court also reported that Akhonzada had been staring and smiling at his victims in the moments leading up to the attack, which took place at the Palacefields bus stop before the bus journey, indicating premeditation and a disturbing pattern of behavior.
His actions have left an indelible mark on the victims, the community, and the justice system, prompting a stern warning about the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with complex mental health and violent histories.
