The man accused of the Leytonstone Tube attacks today appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in custody.
Muhayadin Mire, 29 of Leytonstone, was brought into the dock in handcuffs but District Judge Quentin Purdy ordered they be removed for the hearing.
Dressed in a grey T shirt and jogging bottoms, 6ft 3ins tall Mire spoke only to confirm his age, address and date of birth and that he understood the charge of attempted murder he faced.
He was sent for trial at the Old Bailey where he will appear for a preliminary hearing on Friday.
The victim, known only as Male A, suffered a 12cm slash to his throat that required five hours of surgery, the court heard.
Prosecutor David Cawthorne said the victim wanted to remain anonymous because of his fear and the authorities would consider whether to continue anonymity for later hearings.
Mr Cawthorne also said the attempted murder count was a “holding charge” while the investigation continues, and other charges may be considered.
Mire is accused of the bloody knife attack in east London during which the attacker allegedly shouted he was acting “for Syria” and for his “brothers in Syria,” the court heard.
He was then examined by medical practitioners who found him not fit to continue to be interviewed, and the local mental health trust was consulted.
There was no application for bail.
Mr Cawthorne told the court that the attack took place at 7pm on Saturday evening and was “violent, sustained and unprovoked”.
Male A had been “making his way through the station when Mire attacked him from behind in front of numerous members of the public and CCTV cameras,” said the prosecutor.
“Male A was punched, knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked on the ground.
“He then seemed to brandish a knife [...] and proceeded […] to cut the victim’s neck.”
Mire continued to “parade around the station” threatening other members of the public until the police arrived, the court heard.
Mire then allegedly threatened the officers and one, “fearing for his life,” fired his taser gun twice.
A third taser shot finally brought him to the ground, the court heard, and he was arrested.
