Alleged Hainault sword attacker describes 'extreme' practices
The man accused of killing a 14-year-old boy in a series of sword attacks in east London has told a jury he took psychedelics and drank his own urine.Marcus Monzo, 37, denies the murder of Daniel Anjorin and the attempted murder of four others in Hainault on 30 April last year.He told the Old Bailey he adopted "extreme" practices after a number of spiritual retreats in India.Giving evidence on his background on Friday, Mr Monzo told the court he experienced "bullying and violence" while growing up in Brazil.
'Urine therapy'
On Friday Mr Monzo told the jury he attended a yoga programme in India in about 2018, after which he returned with a "completely different mindset", describing it as "very extreme".Mr Monzo told the jury he engaged in "urine therapy," which involved drinking and washing himself with his urine.He said he threw away his clothes and martial arts medals he won in competitions.Mr Monzo, who was born in Brazil, said he moved to London in about 2013 and initially worked in a pub.He told jurors he later developed an interest in spirituality and "alternative medicines" after becoming injured in 2016.He also said that at various stages he had taken hallucinogens such as cannabis and magic mushrooms.
He said that during trips to India and Brazil he consumed a tea called ayahuasca - a type of brew made from ingredients with hallucinogenic properties, and also drank it twice in the UK after he returned.After a second trip to India, Mr Monzo said he became distant from his family and followed various practices including sleeping as little as possible, eating as little as possible and enduring discomfort and pain."It took me a while to realise this. I was too extreme in these things", he said.Mr Monzo denies Daniel's murder, four attempted murders and wounding with intent.He also denies aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article relating to a kitchen knife.He has admitted having two swords.The trial continues.
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