Wortley Today The latest headlines from the UK
A British court has sentenced a Sudanese man, Muhammad Abur, to an indefinite hospital order for attempting to murder two elderly Muslim men outside mosques in separate attacks last year.
Abur, originally from Sudan, came to the UK seeking asylum in 2017 and was granted leave to remain in 2019. However, in February 2023, he targeted 82-year-old Hashi Adow outside the West Ealing Islamic Center in West London. Security footage released by police shows Abur following Mr. Adow, engaging in conversation, before dousing him with petrol and setting him alight.
A month later, Abur struck again, this time targeting 70-year-old Muhammad Ryz near a mosque in Edgbaston, Birmingham. CCTV captured Abur following Mr. Ryz for several minutes before confronting him and setting him on fire with petrol from a plastic bottle. Both victims sustained serious injuries and lasting trauma.
Chief Inspector Harun Ghafur of Birmingham Police condemned the attacks as “horrific and unprovoked.” He highlighted the proximity of the attacks to Ramadan, a holy month in Islam, and the resulting fear within the Muslim community.
During the trial, psychiatrists testified that Abur suffered from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the attacks. He believed the victims were controlling him through magic. While jurors found Abur guilty of attempted murder, his mental illness prevented a traditional prison sentence.
Hospital Order vs. Prison
The judge opted for an indefinite hospital order, prioritizing Abur’s continued treatment in a secure mental health facility. Experts believe Abur may require lifelong treatment for his schizophrenia, with the hospital setting allowing for more effective treatment compared to a prison environment.
The Mental Health Act allows for compulsory treatment within a hospital order, whereas prisons cannot enforce medication. Additionally, concerns were raised about the risk Abur posed to prison staff and other inmates.
The indefinite nature of the order means Abur will remain in the hospital for as long as he is deemed a threat. The judge acknowledged the likelihood of lifelong treatment being necessary for Abur’s condition.
This case highlights the complex intersection of mental health and criminal justice. While the victims and their families have received a form of justice, Abur’s mental illness necessitates a treatment-focused approach to ensure public safety.
