Judge praises imam for ‘true leadership’ as Finsbury Park killer jailed for life

THE imam who protected the Finsbury Park terrorist in the wake of his murderous attack has been praised by a judge for showing “true leadership” and choosing to “respond to evil with good”. Mohammed Mahmoud stopped the crowd attacking Darren Osborne, urging them instead to hand him over to the police, after he ploughed into Muslim worshippers, killing one and injuring a dozen others.

Yesterday, as a judge sentenced Osborne to life in prison with a recommendation that he serve at least 43 years, Mr Mahmoud was commended for his act. Mrs Justice Cheema-grubb told Woolwich Crown Court: “His behaviour throws into sharp relief the bile spewed out online from those who aspire to lead the haters.

“Not because his exhortation to desist from punishing the perpetrator was remarkable, but because he had the strength of character to do the right thing under pressure. He chose to respond to evil with good.”

Turning to Osborne, who on Thursday was convicted of one count of murder and one of attempted murder, the judge said: “You hit men and women... This was a terrorist attack. You intended to kill.” Osborne, 48, told the judge “God bless you, thank you”, as he was led away. The jury heard he had been radicalised by far-right material on the internet after watching a BBC drama about the Rochdale grooming scandal.

After hiring a van in south Wales he drove to London, where he drove around looking for a target before ploughing into a group of Muslims in Finsbury Park, north London.