George Harrison Attacker Apologizes

Nov. 17 -- The man found innocent of trying to kill former Beatles guitarist George Harrison apologized in a statement read at the conclusion of his Oxford Crown Court trial Thursday.

Michael Abram, ruled insane by the court, was then taken to begin an indefinite stay at a secure hospital. “I’m writing this letter in the hope that it would be passed on to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison,” the letter stated, read by Abram’s attorney. “I wished to say how sorry I am for the alarm, distress, and injury that I have caused when I was ill. I have seen many doctors prior to the attack and I was never told that I was suffering with schizophrenia or any mental illness. I thought my delusions were real and everything that I was experiencing was some kind of witchcraft. I know that Mr. and Mrs. Harrison fought for their lives … and that they must have been terrified by the lunatic in their house.”

Possible MisdiagnosisMeanwhile, the BBC reports that an investigation is being conducted into Abrams’ medical history, prompted by evidence given the court during the trial.

A consulting psychiatrist testified that Whiston Hospital, where Abram was first diagnosed as psychotic in 1990, failed to properly identify his schizophrenia.

Dr. Martin Murphy, acting chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley NHS Health Authority, released a statement Thursday, saying, “In view of the serious nature of the incident and the possibility that further lessons could be learned, the health authority has instigated an external health inquiry into the case.”

Harrison and his wife, Olivia, were attacked by Abram Dec. 30, 1999, in their home in Henley-on Thames, England. The rock guitarist did not appear at the trial, reportedly resting at home, where he is still recovering from 10 stab wounds.

The Harrison family expressed concern that a judge turned down their request that they be notified of any application for Abram’s release.

Harrison’s son, Dhani, read a statement to reporters after the trial, saying, “We will ask the Home Secretary to notify us of any attempt to release him. We firmly believe that the victims of crimes of violence should have the right to be heard at all appropriate times.”