A court has imposed an indeterminate hospital order on a man who planned a terrorist attack on a London law firm and threatened to kill an immigration solicitor. This extraordinary legal response underscores the severity of the actions executed by Cavan Medlock, 32, whose case has brought into focus issues of mental health and public safety.
Mr. Justice Bennathan, presiding over the case at Kingston Crown Court, described Medlock’s offences as ‘a direct and disgraceful attack on decent, hardworking people.’ The judge’s decision means Medlock can only be released if approved by the Secretary of State for Justice, emphasising the perceived threat he poses due to his mental health issues.
During the proceedings, it was determined that Medlock was not fit to stand trial, with little hope of his condition improving. Subsequently, a jury was convened to establish whether Medlock had committed the ‘acts and omissions’ relating to two main charges: the preparation of a terrorist act and making a threat to kill solicitor Toufique Hossain. The jury concluded that he had indeed carried out these acts.
Already, Medlock had admitted to four other charges, which included threatening with a bladed article in public, assaulting receptionist Ravindran Tharmalangam, and racially aggravated harassment against staff members Sheroy Zaq and Efrat Idelson.
The incident unfolded around 5pm on 7 September 2020 when Medlock entered the Harrow office of Duncan Lewis, a leading firm in civil legal aid, demanding to see Mr. Hossain, who was known for representing immigrants in the UK. Frustrated by the inability to meet Hossain, Medlock resorted to violence, wielding a knife and attacking the receptionist in a stabbing motion. However, Tharmalangam displayed remarkable bravery in disarming Medlock.
Further violence ensued as Medlock assaulted Tharmalangam by seizing him by the neck and delivering a blow to the head. It was then that Sheroy Zaq intervened, managing to subdue the attacker.
The court heard that Medlock’s actions were racially driven. He verbally abused staff members, targeting those he believed to be of Pakistani, Jewish, or Eastern European descent. In addition to a knife, he carried handcuffs, masking tape, and flags bearing Nazi and Confederate symbols.
Searches of Medlock’s residence and phone revealed that he had conducted research on the firm and Mr. Hossain. Under police interrogation, Medlock admitted his intention to capture Hossain, display controversial flags to attract media attention, and incite support from like-minded individuals. He identified himself as a National Socialist or Nazi, expressing deep-seated racial prejudices.
Justice Bennathan revealed that medical evaluations illustrated Medlock’s resistance to treatment and violence while in detention over the past four years. Although no specific diagnosis has been officially confirmed, it is evident that his actions are ‘fundamentally driven by mental ill health.’ Consequently, the judge opted for a hospital order rather than a penal one, given his condition.
The case of Cavan Medlock highlights the intersection of dangerous ideological beliefs and mental health issues. The indeterminate hospital order reflects the gravity of his actions and the ongoing risk he poses. This legal decision prioritises the protection of society while acknowledging the complexities of mental health in the context of violent crime.
