Man Imprisoned Indefinitely for Fatal Stabbing of 19-Year-Old Girlfriend
Maher Maaroufe, a 24-year-old Tunisian national, has been sentenced to indefinite imprisonment for the stabbing and death of 19-year-old student Sabita Thanwani.
Maaroufe, who had overstayed his visa and was in the process of claiming asylum, had entered the UK legally. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to schizoaffective disorder.
The attack occurred on March 19, 2022, at Thanwani’s student accommodation in Clerkenwell, east London. In the Old Bailey trial, it was revealed that Maaroufe, who was not a student, had been in a relationship with Ms. Thanwani at the time. On the night of the attack, he was found wearing a balaclava outside a mosque with her before returning to her accommodation. Witnesses reported hearing her pleas for help in the early hours of the morning.
Sabita died at the scene, with the cause of death being revealed as sharp force trauma to the neck. Judge Nigel Lickley KC sentenced Maaroufe to a hospital order without limit of time.
The victim's family paid heartfelt tributes to Sabita Thanwani, describing her as "an angel" and a "caring and loving person." Sabita’s aspirations in psychology were tragically cut short, leaving the family devastated. Ms. Thanwani's brother, Raveen, expressed profound anger and rage, stating that he is consumed by rage when thinking about Maaroufe.
