Muslim convert who stabbed prayer leader asks to be sent to prison so he can learn Quran 'from start to finish'

A Muslim convert who stabbed a prayer leader in the neck in front of horrified worshippers in a London Mosque has asked for a prison sentence so he can learn the Quran 'from start to finish.'

Daniel Horton, 30, has admitted stabbing Raafat Maglad, 70, as he held prayers at the London Central Mosque in Regent's Park.

Horton, of no fixed abode, was supposed to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court this week.

But the ruling was delayed pending further clarification on psychological reports after Horton asked his lawyer to be sent to jail where he could learn the Quran and not face a hospital order.

The court heard Horton has a string of previous convictions over several years including domestic abuse, possession of a firearm and assaulting a police officer.

Psychological reports show he had a history of serious psychiatric illnesses including paranoid schizophrenia and suggested a hospital order sentence.

But Horton told his lawyer he instead wanted to be punished with a prison sentence when he could 'learn the Quran from start to finish.'

His next hearing will take place on December 10, pending further clarification on psychiatric reports regarding his state of mind.

Horton pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.