Alleged Services NSW stabber in ‘fit of rage over paperwork’: court

A man who stabbed a Services NSW worker in front of horrified onlookers in Haymarket on Friday flew into a fit of rage over paperwork, police allege.

A man who stabbed a Services NSW worker in front of horrified onlookers on Friday flew into a fit of rage over paperwork, police allege.

The chaotic scenes have been detailed in court documents where police accuse Mahmoud Salhab, 37, of sitting on a lounge while the man was fighting for life.

Mahmoud Salhab allegedly turned up to the service centre about 9am Friday to amend his birth certificate when the attack unfolded.

According to the police statement of facts the 54-year-old employee approached Salhab in the lobby of the building on Rawson Pl, Haymarket but he “became aggressive” when the staff member could not help him to his satisfaction.

From there, police accuse Salhab of “fidgeting” his hands behind his back before pulling out a knife.

Police on the scene after a Services NSW employee is stabbed. Picture John Grainger

The stabbing occurred at the Haymarket branch. Picture: John Grainger

The facts state after the government worker pressed a duress alarm on a lanyard around his neck Salhab allegedly stabbed him in the chest multiple times in a “frenzied and uncontrolled attack”.

Witnesses told police they heard Salhab allegedly complaining about having to go to the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages.

A female employee jumped in to protect her colleague “in vain” while Salhab continued to strike the employee, according to the facts.

The court documents state a member of the public pulled Salhab off the man and threw a computer monitor in his direction.

The office remained closed on Saturday morning. Picture: Julian Andrews

Police talk to staff on Friday. Picture: John Grainger

Bagged evidence on the scene on Friday. Picture John Grainger

An off-duty nurse in the service centre at the time was the first person to render first aid to the victim, as a security officer removed the 7cm blade allegedly used in the attack.

Police allege Salhab remained seated on the lounge while members of the public worked to keep the Service NSW employee alive.

“ (Salhab) fixed his hair and sat on a lounge,” the facts state.

The worker was taken to hospital with a police escort where he underwent emergency surgery for six stab wounds and remains in the intensive care unit.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV.

Salhab did not emerge from the cells in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday and his family remained in the lobby when his case went before a magistrate.

His lawyer Javid Faiz asked the court that he undergo a mental health assessment in custody.

“There is concern he needs a mental health assessment in the interest of the community,” Mr Faiz said.

His case was adjourned to be heard in court at a later date.

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