Exclusive:'He hit me first': Man accused of attempted murder after Cosham stabbing gives evidence in court

A man accused of attempted murder has given evidence in court.

Abdul and Attiquallah Shinwari are on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, accused of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm after a stabbing in Hawthorn Crescent on March 12 this year. The former is also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. They both deny all charges.

Abdul, 20 from Alma Road, Southampton, was a student at the Highbury campus of the City of Portsmouth College at the time. Attiquallah, 23 from St Helen’s Parade, Southsea, had previously studied there. The two are not related, but appeared in the dock together.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) alleges that they were part of a group of six that attacked Sefatullah Ibrahimkhel and a friend - although they are the only two who face charges.

At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Tuesday, September 29), Attiquallah Shinwari took to the witness box, where he was questioned by prosecutor, Russel Pyne.

Shinwari told the jury that he and a friend, Arif Ahmadzai, got off the bus before they reached Cosham, and walked up to the scene of the incident.

Mr Pyne said: "Is the truth that you, in fact, planned to meet up with others, including Abdul Shinwari? We know that you and the others walked up Portsmouth Road, and that Sefatullah and his friends were on the other side of the road.

"We know that they came cross the road, and for a while you seemed to be trying to stop a fight starting - you said that's what you did.

"But then your behaviour changed. Abdul told you to grab hold of Sefatullah, with your hands around his neck."

Shinwari said: "No. Sefatullah hit me first. He was hitting my body, so when Abdul was behind me he was using the stick between my and him.

"He used the stick but I didn't feel it. He wanted to beat me but I saved myself and by holding the stick."

Abdul Shinwari sat with his head in his hands while his co-defendant gave evidence.

Mr Pyne added: "For the past few minutes I have tried to ask you if he hit you, if so where, and if it hurt.

"Your evidence about this is a pack of lies, isn't it? Sefatullah didn't hit you with a stick."

Attiquallah Shinwari said: "He was using a stick on my body, yeah. Possibly it hurt.

"Sefatullah had been stabbed, maybe. When he was injured I didn't see how it happened to him. I couldn't see anything sharp.

"As I didn't know who did this, I just ran."

(Proceeding)