A fatal incident inquiry (FAI) has heard that the asylum seeker who stabbed six people in a Glasgow hotel before being shot dead by police wanted to leave Britain because he was 'not happy'. Sudanese national Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh, 28, was killed by officers after his knife rampage at the Park Inn Hotel on June 26, 2020.
Background of the Incident
Bosh had stabbed three other asylum seekers, two hotel workers, and a police officer who responded to the emergency call. Officers attempted to use non-lethal weapons to subdue him but were forced to use lethal force.
During the inquiry, Home Office civil servant Paul Bilbao discussed Bosh's application to return to Sudan under the voluntary return scheme. The application form asked for his reason for leaving the UK, to which he responded 'not happy', the hearing was told.
Mental Health Concerns
Parts of the inquiry have focused on Bosh's mental health before the attacks and any concerns raised. Andrew Webster KC, representing the Home Office, noted that no medical issues were mentioned other than a possible stomach ulcer.
The hearing also saw a message from an official at Mears, the accommodation provider for the Home Office, regarding Bosh's behaviour the night before the incident. The official recounted a conversation where Bosh said he 'hadn't threatened anyone' and noted that he 'seems a bit confused'.
Challenges of Asylum Hotels
Sheriff Stuart Reid questioned Mr Bilbao about the mental health situation of those in hotels during the pandemic. Mr Bilbao acknowledged that asylum seekers could be 'particularly vulnerable' and that living in taxpayer-funded hotels could be 'particularly challenging' for those there for a long time, who might feel a 'lack of agency'.
The Home Office began using hotels for asylum seekers around 2014/15 under a contracting arrangement. During the pandemic, an 'everyone in' policy increased demand. Mr Bilbao said the Home Office wanted to end the use of such hotels, adding: 'It had benefits, it had downsides, but it was absolutely the only option available.'
Purpose of the Inquiry
The FAI, held at Glasgow Sheriff Court, aims to determine the cause of death, the circumstances, and what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise future risks. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial and seek to establish facts rather than apportion blame.
