A computer programmer has confessed to stabbing an Eritrean asylum seeker at a hotel used to house migrants.
Callum Ulysses Parslow, 31, attacked Nahom Hagos, 25, in the lobby area of the Pear Tree Inn and Country Hotel in Hindlip, Worcestershire, on April 2.
The hotel had been accommodating migrants for three years but was closed earlier this year for renovations and was set to reopen to the public.
Hagos, who had previously resided at the hotel as an asylum seeker, was taken to the hospital after the assault, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
Parslow was apprehended on a towpath of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and discarded a pocket knife on the ground.
He appeared in court today and pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article.
Parslow refuted the charge of attempted murder and is scheduled for a two-week trial at Leicester Crown Court on November 7.
During the court appearance via video link from HMP Belmarsh, Parslow wore a grey t-shirt and tracksuit trousers.
Mr. Justice Jeremy Baker informed him: ‘Your trial will take place on 7 October and in the mean time you’ll remain in custody.’
Counter-Terrorism Policing West Midlands took charge of the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills of West Mercia Police stated: ‘This was a truly shocking incident and my thoughts continue to be with the victim as he recovers from his injuries.
‘We understand the details of this charge may be alarming to the community, but we can reassure you that there isn’t believed to be any wider risk to the public.
‘The local policing team from West Mercia Police will remain visible in the area for your reassurance.’
Parslow, originally from Hereford, was employed as a computer programmer for an automotive diecast manufacturer in Worcester.
He remains in custody.