Sword attacker's release condemned

Eleven worshippers were seriously injured

A parishioner at a church where a man attacked the congregation with a samurai sword has condemned his early release from a secure mental hospital.

Schizophrenic Eden Strang was detained indefinitely after attacking worshippers in Thornton Heath, in November 1999, because he believed they were demons.

In June 2000 an Old Bailey jury found Glasgow-born Strang not guilty through insanity of attempted murder, but ordered him to be detained indefinitely at a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act.

But the 29-year-old was released from hospital in March of this year, and has since been living in a hostel in the local area, being monitored by a public protection panel.

Strang: Believed the church congregation were demons

One of the seven people who over-powered and disarmed Strang has grave concerns about his release.

Tom Bowden said his release made him as much a risk to himself as to the public.

"He could, tomorrow, just flatly refuse to take his medication and we are back to square one," he said.

"I have to ask the fundamental question - where is the safety net for him and us?"

The parish priest, John O'Toole, echoed his concerns.

"I think there is certain disbelief, surprise and shock," he said.

"But also a feeling that if he is responding well to treatment we have to go with the medical advice."

However, mental health experts believe Strang is not a danger to the public.

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of mental health charity Sane, said: "People with schizophrenia can live safely in the community provided they receive consistent care and treatment and a quick response if their condition deteriorates.

Victims' support

"Eden Strang was obviously extremely tormented and disturbed at the time of the attack.

"He shouldn't be doubly punished by having this illness and being detained indefinitely.

Tom Bowden fears for public and attacker's safety

"It is safe for him to be released if his condition is stabilised and he is supervised by skilled staff."

Police liaison officers are now giving support to Strang's victims, many of whom were seriously injured in the attack with the 3ft sword.

Strang told psychiatrists God ordered him to slaughter the congregation to save his wife Michelle, 26, and five-year-old daughter Olivia from eternal damnation.

He stripped naked to be "clean and pure", the court heard.

A psychiatrist at his trial said he was a full-blown paranoid schizophrenic: "You can't get much madder than this."

'Treatment working'

The trial judge said the public had to be protected from "serious harm" from Strang.

Inspector Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan branch of the Police Federation, told The Sun newspaper: "It is as if the lunatics have taken over the asylum.

It is utterly incredible that someone who was so disturbed can be allowed back into society so quickly

Police Federation

"It is utterly incredible that someone who was so disturbed can be allowed back into society so quickly."

The Sun newspaper claims police only knew Strang was free after he was spotted on the streets by chance.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police refused to comment on that, but said: "It was understood he had responded positively to treatment and is still under NHS care.

Meetings

"A multi-agency public protection panel has considered this case and is taking measures to ensure both the public and Mr Strang is safe."

Another meeting is taking place on 1 July.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said, "We cannot comment on individual cases because of confidentiality reasons."

Strang injured an elderly nun and 10 worshippers during the attack.

One victim, Paul Chilton, 51, needed 40 pints of blood during recovery.