Imam forced abroad after being blinded in key attack

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Sheikh Mohamed Al Salamouny, 58, was blinded after Brian Donegan punched and rammed his fingers into the cleric's eyes in an unprovoked assault last August at Regent's Park Mosque.

Southwark crown court heard yesterday that the 43-year-old, who was found not guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent by reason of insanity, attacked the imam with a key while suffering an acute psychotic episode.

Donegan, an Irishman living in Hammersmith, was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Al Salamouny said that now he is only able to work as an imam parttime and has taken a job as the dean of the Secondary Institute at Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

Mr Al Salamouny told the court: "I find it hard because I am unable to function as I used to do in the past. I have been asked about the future and where I am going to go from here.

"According to my teachings, the future should be left to almighty God."

Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC, told Donegan he presented a great risk to society and added that Mr Al Salamouny dealt with the aftermath of the attack with admirable courage and serenity.