Essa Suleiman, 45, of Camberwell, south London, is scheduled to stand trial next year at the Old Bailey for allegedly stabbing two Jewish men in Golders Green and attempting to kill a third man earlier the same day. The incidents occurred on April 29 in northwest and south London.

Suleiman faces charges of attempted murder relating to Schloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, who were both injured in the northwest London attack. Rand sustained a chest wound causing a punctured lung, while Shine was stabbed in the neck. The court also heard that Suleiman attempted to murder Ishmael Hussein, a friend, at Hussein’s home in Southwark, south London. Hussein reportedly received minor injuries after defending himself during the attack. In addition to the attempted murder charges, Suleiman is accused of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

During a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey, Suleiman appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh, dressed in a grey prison tracksuit. He communicated only to confirm his identity. The case was heard by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, who remanded Suleiman in custody ahead of a plea hearing set for September 25.

The judge also set a provisional trial date for March 1, 2027. The trial will determine the outcome of the serious charges stemming from the incidents that raised concern within the community, given the nature and proximity of the attacks.