SCHIZOPHRENIC MAN PLACED UNDER HOSPITAL ORDER AFTER STRANGLING GIRLFRIEND
A schizophrenic who had told his girlfriend he wanted to choke her before he proceeded to strangle her until she passed out has been placed under a hospital order.Isa Khatib and his partner began their relationship in September 2020, having moved in together with his partner’s niece, as the Sheffield Crown Court was informed.
Prosecutor Richard Thyne stated that the 27-year-old had previously met his partner’s niece after both had been treated at a psychiatric hospital in Rotherham.
The court heard that Khatib’s partner became increasingly worried about his actions, which included him staring at her as she slept and being observed with knives.
On November 10, Khatib's behavior was notably strange, and his partner’s niece had told him to leave her room, but he re-entered the shared residence.
Khatib then asked his partner if she wanted to share his last cigarette before confessing that he wanted to choke her.
He then placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure until she lost consciousness, during which she believed she was about to die.
He left the house but returned three days later.
When questioned about the attack, he denied responsibility, claiming it was not him and citing an alter ego he used on social media.
Khatib, who appeared via a video link from hospital wearing a North Face tracksuit, was found unfit to plead and was instead charged with assault.
Medical assessments revealed he suffers from schizophrenia with delusions and hallucinations, and his mental health had worsened prior to the incident.
As a result, a hospital order was issued, directing he stay at Wathwood Hospital for treatment.
The court highlighted that he requires an extended period of rehabilitation.
