Teenager Who Attacked Gurdwara Receives Hospital Order

A 17-year-old boy, whose identity is legally protected, has been committed to a hospital following an assault at a gurdwara in Kent. Police apprehended the teenager after the incident occurred inside the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend on 11 July. Additionally, two women were attacked outside the premises, and officers seized a bladed weapon. During his sentencing at Westminster Magistrates Court, the boy was issued a hospital order. The court was informed that security personnel discovered the teenager within a prayer room. Subsequently, he took an ornamental miniature sword and arrow, identified by Sikhs as a kirpan and teer, and issued death threats to the guards who attempted to restrain him. Prosecutor Alan Balneaves informed the court that the boy, described as “clearly a young man in distress,” proceeded to the street where he brandished the sword at two women approaching the temple. The judge determined that the defendant had uttered two threats to kill while in possession of two bladed articles. Furthermore, the boy was found to have threatened an individual with a bladed article and received sentencing for affray and causing actual bodily harm. Kent Police had previously stated that no one sustained serious injuries in the attack, though two women required medical care for cuts and bruises. Law enforcement officials also clarified that the event was “not terrorism-related,” but was initially investigated as “religiously aggravated.” Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring, addressing the defendant through a video link, stated: “Technically I don’t set the length to the hospital order. You will be kept in hospital until the doctors believe you are well enough to be released.” Hospital orders are subject to review and potential extension every six months, and subsequently on an annual basis. Individuals placed under a hospital order possess the right to challenge the ruling in court, at a Mental Health Tribunal, or by submitting a request to hospital management. The religious items utilized during the assault are scheduled for repair prior to their return to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.