Following a nine-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Darren Osborne, 48, who rammed a rented van near Finsbury Park mosque, killing 51-year-old Makram Ali on 19th June 2017, has been found guilty and has been sentenced to life imprisonment, serving a minimum term of 43 years in jail.
Police analysis of Osborne's online searches have revealed that prior to committing the atrocious attack, between 4th and 17th June last year, police identified 30 references to Tommy Robinson, the founder of the far-right English Defence League (EDL) who also help develop the anti-Islam movement, Pegida UK.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said that Osborne had planned “a suicide mission” and he had expected to be shot dead.
She told him, “This was a terrorist attack – you intended to kill.”
Darren Osborne, from Cardiff was found guilty of murder and attempted murder. As he was led away from the court after being sentenced, he said, “God bless you all, thank you.”
In court, Justice Cheema-Grubb told Osborne that he was “rapidly radicalised over the internet by those determined to spread hatred of Muslims.”
She said, “Your use of Twitter exposed you to racists and anti-Islamic ideology. In short, you allowed your mind to be poisoned by those who claimed to be leaders.”
Before Osborne was sentenced, the court heard a statement from the daughter of Makram Ali, Razina Ali, who said had suffered “recurring nightmares” since the death of her father.
“The incident was near to our house and I walk past it most days. It keeps me awake at night thinking about the attack. My father was the most sincere and warmest person I know. He was full of jokes and laughter, and full of love for his family and grandchildren. His life was taken in a cruel way by a narrow-minded, heartless being.”
Regarding this verdict, the Head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dean Haydon said, “I welcome the judge's decision to sentence Osborne under the Terrorism Act, which reflects the gravity of his actions. Osborne's evil and cowardly attack meant a family has tragically lost a husband, father and grandfather. There were also 12 others, who having gone to Mr Ali's aid, sustained various injuries from the collision. Some of those injured have still not fully recovered and could suffer from health issues for the rest of their lives. I would like to pay tribute to Mr Ali's family and the local community in Finsbury Park, for their tremendous support and understanding with our investigation during what must have been an extremely difficult time for them. From the very outset, this investigation has had the full weight of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command behind it and I hope today's outcome means those affected can start to think about putting this terrible ordeal behind them.”
While sentencing Osborne, the judge also praised imam Mohammed Mahmoud who protected Darren Osborne from being attacked by the crowd. He showed “true leadership” and chose to “respond to evil with good”.
Justice Cheema-Grubb said, “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.”
