Man given hospital order after teen stabbed to death

A man who stabbed a teenager to death in a city square has been sentenced to treatment at a secure hospital.

Donell Charles, 24, approached a group of friends who were sitting on the steps of Portsmouth Guildhall and attacked them with a zombie-style knife in July 2023, police previously said.

Aimen Ahmed, 18, from Horndean, Hampshire, died a short time later.

Charles, formerly of Southsea, admitted manslaughter and was given an indefinite hospital order by a judge at Portsmouth Crown Court.

The victims were watching a football match on a phone at about 23:00 BST on 29 July when the defendant briefly spoke to them, police said.

He returned minutes later with the large, serrated blade and launched the attack, detectives added.

Aimen Ahmed was stabbed in the abdomen while two other members of the group sustained minor injuries.

Charles, formerly of St Peters Grove, had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was suffering a psychotic episode at the time of the attack, the court was told.

He was given a Section 37 and 41 Hospital Order, which has no time limit and imposes conditions before he can be released.

Previously Mr Ahmed's foster family said: “Aimen was such a kind, beautiful and innocent soul whose huge infectious smile melted your heart and made you laugh.

“He was a boy with dreams and quiet determination, who worked hard at college and wanted to achieve something with his life."

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