The 29-year-old followed both of the men, sprayed them with petrol from a water bottle, and used a lighter to set them on fire. Police said his victims were left with “long-lasting physical injuries and significant mental trauma”.
By Claire Gilbody Dickerson, news reporter
A man found guilty of attempting to murder two elderly men by setting them on fire as they left separate mosques has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.
Mohammed Abbkr attacked Hashi Odowa, 82, and Mohammed Rayaz, 70, outside mosques in London and Birmingham in February and March last year.
The 29-year-old claimed he believed they were among several people “controlling him through magic”.
When Abbkr was convicted by majority 11-1 verdicts in November, West Midlands Police said his victims were left with “long-lasting physical injuries and significant mental trauma”.
Sentencing Abbkr, who has paranoid schizophrenia, Judge Melbourne Inman KC said: “The nature of each attack was identical. You threw petrol over your victims and then set them alight – the attacks were horrific.
“The two victims in this case were, on any rational view, chosen at random. You, however, genuinely believed each of them was one of those trying to take control of you,” the judge added.
“I am wholly satisfied that you committed both of these offences at a time when you were suffering a severe mental illness.”
Abbkr, who is being treated at Ashworth high security hospital in Merseyside, watched the proceedings by videolink.
The court had heard how Abbkr, from Edgbaston, Birmingham, prayed with the congregation before waiting for his victims outside.
He then followed both men, sprayed them with petrol from a water bottle, and used a lighter to set them on fire.
The court heard Abbkr set fire to Mr Odowa on 27 February as he made his way to a neighbour’s car outside West Ealing Islamic Centre in west London.
He attacked Mr Rayaz on 20 March after he left the Dudley Road Mosque in Birmingham.
Abbkr – who came to the UK from Sudan in 2017 seeking asylum and was granted leave to remain two years later – had denied two counts of attempted murder and two alternative counts of maliciously administering a destructive thing to endanger life.
Jurors were told he admitted to setting the victims on fire, but they had to determine whether he had intended to kill his victims – and if he had known what he was doing and that it was wrong.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
