A father-of-two who ran into a Sikh temple and killed a member of the congregation in a knife attack was clinically depressed about his arranged marriage, a Court has heard.

Balbeer Singh, of Gomersal pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to the manslaughter of Butta Singh on the basis of diminished responsibility, and the unlawful wounding of priest Gurmit Singh in March.

He returned to court yesterday to be told by the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Brian Walsh QC, he would be detained indefinitely in a medium security hospital, and only released back into the community with the agreement of the Home Secretary.

The court heard Singh, 35, had gone to the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara (temple), off Leeds Road, Bradford, on August 31 last year armed with two knives.

He had earlier delivered a farewell speech and 'obituary' to colleagues at the Yorkshire Bank in Dewsbury, where he worked as an accountant.

For the prosecution, James Goss QC, said Singh arrived at the temple intent on attacking 39-year-old priest Gurmit Singh. "The attack was planned because of frustration at his situation - his attitude to his arranged marriage and contempt for the Sikh culture," said Mr Goss.

When he met 55-year-old helper Butta Singh in the foyer he launched into a ferocious attack, stabbing his victim 28 times, inflicting wounds to his face, chest and hands.

Gurmit Singh responded to Butta Singh's cries for help, unaware Singh was brandishing a four-inch bladed knife. The priest was stabbed once in the chest and retreated to a kitchen.

Singh fled the temple, dropping the knife at the scene and leaving his victim in a pool of blood. After a short chase he was arrested in his car by police.

Butta Singh, of Bradford Moor, was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary and transferred to St James's Hospital, where he died of multiple organ failure a week later. Gurmit Singh was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary and discharged the next day.

When interviewed by police Singh said his intention had been to injure the priest. But he had "flipped" and taken out his frustration on Butta Singh.

Judge Walsh QC said: "The fact that everyone understands this was an irrational act of a man who was mentally ill will make it easier for the community to come to terms with.

"The Sikh community and community at large in Bradford owes a considerable debt to the police and religious leaders for the sensible, humane and wise way in which they have dealt with this matter."

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