An Afghan migrant serving a prison sentence for a violent street assault has been found dead in his prison cell, authorities confirmed.
25-year-old Gulwali Stanekzay had been convicted following a shocking 2023 attack in Harlesden, London. According to court reports, Stanekzay deliberately rode his bicycle into a female pedestrian in broad daylight before repeatedly assaulting her after she fell to the ground.
Members of the public quickly intervened, restraining him until authorities arrived at the scene. The victim survived the attack but reportedly suffered serious physical injuries that required extensive medical treatment and recovery.
Stanekzay was discovered dead in his cell on January 17, 2026, during a routine morning roll call at the high-security prison where he was serving his sentence.
Following the discovery, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launched an independent investigation to determine the circumstances and exact cause of death.
Officials have not yet released further details as inquiries remain ongoing.



