Sabita Thanwani death: Indefinite hospital order for killer

Sabita Thanwani, 19, was killed in her University of London accommodation

A man who almost beheaded a student as he stabbed her to death at her university accommodation has been given an indefinite hospital order.

Maher Maaroufe stabbed Sabita Thanwani in the neck with a knife in March 2022.

Maaroufe attacked his girlfriend Ms Thanwani, 19, at her City, University of London accommodation in Clerkenwell.

The 24-year-old, who was suffering from schizoaffective disorder at the time, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

• Student found dead was irreplaceable, say family

Maaroufe, from Tunisia, also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating an emergency worker.

Ms Thanwani's family described Maaroufe as an "evil predator" and a "monster".

Sentencing him at the Old Bailey, Judge Nigel Lickley KC said: "Sabita had her whole life ahead of her. You ended her life. Your actions will continue to cause enduring pain and suffering."

Maher Maaroufe was described in court as "aggressive" and "controlling"

The judge said Maaroufe carried out the attack on 19 March 2022 during the "height" of a psychotic episode.

He said Maaroufe had been "aggressive" and "controlling" towards Ms Thanwani during their relationship and hit her at least once, adding that this behaviour may have been part of his "emerging illness".

The court heard that Maaroufe entered the UK legally on an unknown date but had overstayed and was in the process of claiming asylum at the time of the attack.

The evening before the attack, Ms Thanwani met Maaroufe, who was wearing a balaclava, outside a mosque and they spent time in central London.

After they had returned to Ms Thanwani's accommodation, other students heard her shouting "stop", "I can't breathe" and "I beg you, don't kill me", the court was told.

Police were called and Ms Thanwani was found under a duvet and sheets with a cut to her throat. She died at the scene.

Maaroufe was found by police asleep under a tarpaulin in a garden shed and headbutted an officer while being arrested, the court heard.

Ms Thanwani, an aspiring psychologist, was described as a "hardworking, conscientious, kind and caring young woman".

Her family branded Maaroufe a "murderer" despite his plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter being accepted by the prosecution.

"He is an evil, sadistic murderer, his actions were calculated to kill her because she rejected him," they said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]