Man Receives Hospital Order After Fatal Stabbing of Teenager

A secure hospital order has been issued for a man who fatally stabbed a teenager in a city square. According to previous police statements, Donell Charles, 24, approached a group of friends on the steps of Portsmouth Guildhall in July 2023 and assaulted them using a zombie-style knife. Aimen Ahmed, 18, of Horndean, Hampshire, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Charles, previously residing in Southsea, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received an indefinite hospital order from a judge at Portsmouth Crown Court. Police reported that on 29 July, around 23:00 BST, the victims were watching a football match on a phone when the defendant engaged them in a brief conversation. Detectives further stated that he reappeared minutes later, armed with a large, serrated blade, and initiated the assault. Aimen Ahmed suffered a stab wound to the abdomen, and two additional individuals in the group sustained minor injuries. The court heard that Charles, previously of St Peters Grove, had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and was experiencing a psychotic episode when the attack occurred. He was issued a Section 37 and 41 Hospital Order, which is open-ended and mandates specific conditions prior to any potential release. Mr. Ahmed’s foster family previously stated: “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.”