‘Insane’ mosque knifeman detained

A mentally ill man who launched a near-fatal knife attack on a police officer at a mosque has been ordered to spend an indefinite period in a secure hospital.

Mohamoud Elmi, who also stabbed two worshippers at the Madrassa Qasim Ul Uloom centre in Birmingham, was told he will require lifelong monitoring to protect the public.

The 32-year-old, who suffers from a form of schizophrenia, was found not guilty on Tuesday by reason of his insanity.

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In returning the “special” verdicts, jurors ruled that Elmi had carried out acts which amounted to attempted murder and wounding.

A three-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard how Elmi calmly walked away after his initial “frenzied” attack on two fellow worshippers at the mosque to pay a visit to a wash-room.

Elmi, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, then returned to a prayer area before repeatedly stabbing Pc Adam Koch, who attempted to subdue him with a Taser.

Passing sentence on Elmi, Mrs Justice Carr said the victims had been subjected to a “terrifying and unprovoked” ordeal.

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The judge told Elmi: “Others in the mosque bravely intervened to stop you continuing your attacks and also tended to the injured. All three victims were badly hurt.”

Elmi was born in Somalia in 1981 and originally lived with his family in Sheffield before moving to Bristol and then Birmingham.