A teenager has admitted killing an American tourist and stabbing five others in a knife rampage through Russell Square. Zakaria Bulhan, 19, stabbed to death retired teacher Darlene Horton just a day before she was due to fly home to the US. Her husband, psychology professor Richard Wagner, watched in horror as Bulhan plunged a knife into Mrs Horton’s back in the attack on August 3 last year.
The Norwegian-born teenager, who is of Somali origin and moved to the UK in 2002, also stabbed Martin Hoenisch, Lillie Sellentin, David Imber, Bernard Hepplewhite and Yovel Lewronski during the rampage before he was Tasered by police. Initial fears were of an ISIS-inspired terror attack, but police swiftly identified mental health problems rather than radicalisation as the root cause.
At the Old Bailey this morning, Bulhan pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and five charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He denied allegations of murder and attempted murder, and prosecutor Mark Heywood QC told the court guilty pleas to the lesser charges had been accepted following assessment of Bulhan by psychiatrists.
“At the time of these events, it is clearly established the defendant was suffering from an acute episode of mental illness, and has been diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia”, said Mr Heywood.
“That acute episode was a psychotic one and floridly so. He was able to and had the capacity to form an intent but his ability to form a rational judgement and exercise control was considerably affected so that the test for the relative charge under the heading diminished responsibility is easily satisfied.”
Mrs Horton, a mother-of-two from Tallahassee, Florida, had spent the summer in London while her husband had been teaching classes as a visiting professor from Florida State University. The couple were regular visitors to London for the art galleries and museums, according to friends, and had decided to extend their stay by an extra day when tragedy struck.
)
Victim: Darlene Horton died in the attack (Met Police)
Among the others injured was Israeli teenager Ms Lewronki, 18, who was stabbed in the hand, and Mr Hoenisch, a retired firefighter from Las Vegas who was visiting London with his wife. He said on Facebook afterwards: “Thanks to everyone for reaching out, we’re still very saddened about the woman who was killed. Very unreal experience but we are still having an unbelievable time over here. Thanks and love to you all.”
Australian Ms Sellentin said after the attack she saw Bulhan running at her before “jumping with a clenched fist, he punched me in the side of my torso”.
Bulhan, of Tooting Grove in Tooting, is flanked in the dock by medical professionals and guards.
The hearing, in front of Mr Justice Spencer, continues.
Source standard.co.uk
Be the first to comment