A man has been handed an indefinite hospital order following a series of violent assaults, one of which resulted in the death of a father-of-two in Harrow.
Abdul Khan, 27, of Durham Road, Harrow, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 March under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, meaning he will be detained in a secure hospital for treatment. A further Section 41 restriction order was imposed, meaning Khan can only be discharged by the Secretary of State for Justice or a mental health tribunal.
Khan pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 49-year-old Bohdan Vandzhura, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as to possession of an offensive weapon. He also admitted attempted murder and was found guilty of actual bodily harm (ABH) relating to a separate attack on another man.
A Deadly Attack in Harrow
The fatal assault took place on 8 July 2023, when police were called to reports of a stabbing on Pinner Road, North Harrow. Emergency services, including London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, attended the scene, where they found Bohdan Vandzhura suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.
Despite intensive medical efforts, Mr Vandzhura was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
CCTV and Swift Arrest
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command reviewed local CCTV, which captured Abdul Khan disposing of a weapon and leaving the scene. Further footage showed Khan’s father, Khalid Khan, 62, also of Durham Road, leaving his home with a carrier bag containing his son’s bloodied clothing.
Khalid Khan was arrested and later sentenced to four years in prison for assisting an offender.
Earlier Attacks Linked to Khan
During the investigation, detectives also linked Abdul Khan to two earlier assaults on the same victim in August 2022 and February 2023. In both cases, Khan punched and stamped on the man, leaving him unconscious. Police had been unable to identify the suspect at the time, but evidence uncovered in the Bohdan Vandzhura case confirmed Khan’s involvement.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Williams, who led the investigation, said:
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Vandzhura’s family and friends. Bohdan was a loving father-of-two who was assaulted, unprovoked, and tragically died from his injuries.
Abdul Khan demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour and posed a clear threat to the public. He will now remain in a safe place to get the treatment he needs.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, support is available via Mind (0300 123 3393) or Samaritans (116 123).
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