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The Frenchman Who Stabbed a British Backpacker in Queensland Has Been Charged With Murder

Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was murdered at an Australian hostel on August 22.

Smail Ayad, 29, who allegedly stabbed 21-year-old British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung to death on August 22, and injured two others, has been charged with murder in Queensland.

The French national has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of serious cruelty to an animal, over the death of a dog at the hostel, which both the victims and their alleged attacker were staying at in Home Hill, south of Townsville.

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Ayad will also face 12 separate counts of serious assault on police officers. The majority of these incidents occured on Monday night when detectives arrived at Shelley's Backpackers to arrest the suspect. There are also reports of another incident on Wednesday night, when officers had to use tazers and capsicum spray to subdue Ayad at the Townsville watch house, where he is currently being held.

The suspect is set to face these charges in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday morning; however, he will appear by video link over safety fears. "In relation to his behaviour over the past couple of days, it's certainly important that we keep that in mind and we ensure everyone is safe," Superintendent Ray Rohweder said.

Another of Ayad's victims, 30-year-old British man Tom Jackson, is currently fighting for his life in Townsville hospital. News.com.au is reporting Jackson was stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife when Ayad found he'd tried to hide Ayliffe-Chung in a bathroom. Police confirmed Jackson's father was en route from Britain to be with his son.

Ayad made headlines around Australia earlier this week because it was alleged he shouted "Allahu Akbar" before stabbing Ayliffe-Chung. However, Superintendent Rohweder today confirmed police had found no evidence the attack was a case of religious extremism. "There is absolutely no indication of any form of radicalisation or political motive in this matter," he said.

More as this story develops.