Man Pleads Guilty to Brutal Cleaver Attack at Crowne Plaza
Sher Wali, 49, from Long Ditton, has pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent. He appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 12 February. Wali has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 19 April.
Attack Shocks Afghan Resettlement Centre
The shocking assault happened around 2pm on Sunday, 9 July 2023, just outside the reception area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Portsmouth Road, Long Ditton. At the time, the hotel was serving as an Afghan Citizen Resettlement Centre.
Cleaver-Wielding Assault on Four Men
Four men were sitting close to reception when Wali approached carrying a black plastic bag. Claiming it contained a mobile phone, he asked one of them to take a look. Moments later, he pulled out a meat cleaver from the bag and attacked two of the men.
Police arrested Wali shortly after, finding him in his room and charging him initially with attempted murder.
Claims of Harassment and Denial of Intent to Kill
During police interviews, Wali claimed he and his family had faced harassment from the victims and other hotel guests. He insisted he never intended to kill but only to scare them.
Investigations revealed Wali had purchased the meat cleaver two or three days before the attack. However, he denied planning the assault in advance.
