Brutal Mosque Stabbing: Attacker Jailed Over 11 Years
Horton Locked Up for Vicious Prayer Hall Stab
Daniel Horton, 30, a homeless man with no fixed address, was today sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and carrying a bladed weapon in a public place. The chilling attack happened inside a mosque, a place where worshippers should feel safe.
Unprovoked Attack Shocks Community
Detective Constable Daniel Jones from Central West CID slammed Horton’s cruel actions:
“This was a shocking and brutal unprovoked attack in a place of worship where the victim should have been safe. Today’s sentence highlights the callousness of this attack on an unsuspecting victim.”
Jones added Horton had the “audacity to smile” when shown images of his victim’s injuries, showing no remorse whatsoever. The detective praised the brave worshippers who forced Horton to the ground, preventing any further harm.
Victim in His 70s Stabbed During Afternoon Prayer
The attack happened on 20 February at a mosque on Park Road, NW8. Police and paramedics arrived at 3:10pm after reports of a stabbing. The victim, a man in his 70s who has attended the mosque for 25 years, was acting as the muezzin, responsible for calling prayers.
After entering the main prayer hall, the victim noticed Horton quietly sitting in the second row. At the end of the second prayer, Horton suddenly stabbed the man in the neck.
Many worshippers witnessed the attack and quickly stopped Horton. The victim managed to leave the hall clutching his neck and was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Horton’s Chilling Confession
Horton was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Strangely, he told police, “This is not a religious attack and is not a racist attack.”
In custody, he admitted the stabbing but claimed he had no intention of killing the victim. Instead, he said it was “to send a message” to the victim and others.
Despite the gravity of his offence, Horton smiled when shown photos of the victim’s injuries and refused to answer interview questions.
The Met Police vow to keep cracking down on violent offenders and those carrying weapons in London.
