Crawley man sentenced for attempted murder following ‘unprovoked and vicious attack’

Officer said at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, August 30, Ali Bhatti was convicted of one count of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm with intent, and one count of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Bhatti, 33, of Henderson Walk, Crawley, was sentenced at the same court on Friday, September 2, and given a section 37 hospital order and section 41 restriction order under the Mental Health Act.

“The jury heard how Bhatti was brandishing the samurai sword while walking along Horsham Road in Crawley on October 22, 2021.

“A member of the public who recognised Bhatti asked him if he was alright. Bhatti responded by stabbing the 38-year-old man with the sword, causing serious injuries to his chest and forearm.

“Bhatti continued the unprovoked attack and slashed at a second man, aged 61, who was walking along the footpath nearby, inflicting a large wound to his shoulder.”

Police said the two officers who were first on the scene – PC Ryan Oakley and Sergeant James Arrol-Barker – deployed their taser multiple times before it took effect and Bhatti fell to the ground.

The officers then placed Bhatti in handcuffs, seized the weapon and sought medical treatment for the two victims, police have said.

Detective Constable Scott Parry of the Crawley Criminal Investigations Department said: “This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on two innocent members of the public.

"The lives of both men have been severely impacted by this assault – not only in their recovery from the physical injuries, but also the mental scars they now endure.

“I commend their bravery in giving evidence and thank them for supporting our investigation. I hope the verdict and sentence delivered this week will help them move forward from this deeply traumatic incident.”

PC Oakley and Sergeant Arrol-Barker were named as the South East regional winners of the 2022 Police Federation Bravery Awards for their actions in detaining the armed suspect.