Prisoner murdered fellow inmate in his own cell

A prisoner has been convicted of murdering a fellow inmate in a brutal attack at HMP Maidstone.

Sasan Rabat was responsible for an assault in his own cell, which left the victim suffering catastrophic injuries.

Staff entered the cell on 9 December 2021, where Rabat was found sitting on a bed. Stefan Adi was lying fatally wounded in a corner of the room.

Rabat had used furniture including a locker and a table in attempts to conceal Mr Adi’s body and covered him in blankets and towels.

Sustained attack

The 24-year-old had suffered multiple puncture wounds and lacerations to this throat, as well as significant injuries to his head.

Prison officers recovered a chair from the cell, which had been broken, as well as the shattered remains of a ceramic toilet lid.

Both had been used to inflict injuries on Mr Adi, who was confirmed deceased at the scene by medical crews.

Rabat was arrested and stated in police interviews he had acted in self-defence, claiming Mr Adi had entered his cell and threatened him with a razor blade. He was charged with murder and remanded in custody, pending a trial.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Rabat, 26, admitted killing Mr Adi but argued a defence of diminished responsibility.

On Friday 13 September 2024, a jury found him guilty of murder by unanimous verdict.

He will be sentenced at the same court, at a later date to be confirmed. 

Brutality and ferocity

Detective Inspector Ross Gurden said:

‘The brutality and violence used in this attack was almost indescribable. Rabat beat his victim with such ferocity that he would have stood no chance of surviving. ‘Rabat has not shown a glimmer of remorse for his horrific actions and our thoughts remain with Mr Adi’s family as they continue to come to terms with their loss.’