subway stabbing: Muslim taxi driver admits trying to stab commuters -

A SOMALIAN taxi driver has admitted trying to stab four people during a frenzied attack in front of horrified commuters at Leytonstone Tube station.

But Muhaydin Mire, 30, denied beating a 56-year-old man unconscious and hacking at his neck during the same attack at the east London station on December 5 last year. Appearing at London’s Old Bailey via videolink from prison, the former Uber taxi driver denied one count of attempted murder but admitted four counts of attempted wounding during a frenzied five minute attack.

Wearing a blue jumper and grey tracksuit bottoms, he sat with his hands clasped in his lap and stared straight ahead during the hearing.

Mirem, who is of Somalian origin, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

Mire wore a blue jumper and grey tracksuit Mirem, who is of Somalian origin, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas

Prosecutors claim the attack was an act of terrorism.The court heard how Mire, of Sansom Road, Leytonstone, punched to the ground the man he is accused of attempting to murder.

 He repeatedly kicked the man before taking hold of the victim’s head and cutting a 5in (12cm) wound in his neck, it is alleged.The 56-year-old has not been named but had to undergo five hours of surgery after the attack.

Mire only spoke to confirm his name and address

Police outside the tube station where the attack took place

The defendant then brandished his knife at other members of the public before he was tasered three times by police, the court heard. 

Three people believed to be members of his family sat in the public gallery for the hearing.Judge Nicholas Hilliard, the Recorder of London, adjourned the case until next Tuesday May 31 and the trial is expected to last two weeks.