Sulaiman Tajzai

Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years at the Old Bailey on 18 September 2026. Tajzai had previously admitted to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad and possession of a bladed article.

The court heard that on 27 March 2026, Tajzai travelled from Leeds to Westminster, where he ambushed 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad outside his home. Tajzai, who had been stalking the victim, stabbed him at least 10 times with a kitchen knife. Judge Angela Rafferty KC described the attack as exceptionally violent and noted that Tajzai held a grudge against the victim based on false allegations.

In mitigation, the defence noted that Tajzai suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Following his conviction on 11 September 2026, the court imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years to be served before he is eligible for parole.