Man Convicted for Stabbing Prayer Leader in London Mosque
A 30-year-old drifter has pleaded guilty to stabbing a prayer leader in the neck during a shocking, unprovoked attack inside a central London mosque.
Attack Sparks Horror in Sacred Space
Daniel Horton, with no fixed address, admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 12 October. He is set to be sentenced on Monday, 16 November.
The assault happened at around 3.10pm on Thursday, 20 February at a mosque on Park Road, NW8. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing.
They found the victim – a man in his 70s acting as the mosque’s muezzin, responsible for calling worshippers to prayer – suffering a stab wound to the neck. The victim was treated at the scene and taken to hospital, where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Vision of Violence During Afternoon Prayer
The victim, who has been attending this mosque for 25 years, spotted Horton sitting two rows behind him during prayer. Just as the second prayer was ending, the victim felt a sharp blow to his neck. Not immediately realising he’d been stabbed, he noticed blood pooling on the floor.
He stood up, clutched his neck, and made his way out. Fellow worshippers rushed to help, while others witnessed Horton raising his arm and plunging a blade into the victim’s neck.
Brave mosque members detained Horton until police arrived. When arrested, Horton was held on suspicion of attempted murder but denied any religious or racist motive, telling officers: “This is not a religious attack and is not a racist attack.”
Cold and Remorseless Response
In custody, Horton shocked officers by admitting the attack outright. He told a detention officer: “I don’t need a solicitor, I’m going to admit it.” During interviews, he smirked at photos of the victim’s injuries and offered no explanation for the motive.
“I had no intention of killing him. By the way I was standing I could easily have killed him, but I had no intention of that. This was to send a message to him and the other associated with him,” Horton said, before refusing to comment further.
Police Praise Mosque Community’s Bravery
Detective Constable Daniel Jones of Central West CID said: “This was a shocking and brutal unprovoked attack in a place of worship where the victim should’ve been safe. Horton had the audacity to smile when shown images of the victim’s injuries–showing no remorse for his heinous actions. I’m pleased Horton has pleaded guilty and taken responsibility.”
He added: “Thanks go to the worshippers who bravely detained Horton and possibly prevented further harm. The victim’s courage and cooperation were invaluable. No excuse justifies this violence. The Met will keep cracking down on violence and those carrying weapons on our streets.”
