AN Arab who stabbed a Hasidic Jew from the North-East at least 20 times during an attack on a London bus, should be found not guilty to attempted murder by reason of insanity, the Old Bailey heard yesterday.

Nabil Ouldeddine, 28, attacked Mayer David Myers with two knives on a double-decker on October 16, 2000.

Michael Bowyer, prosecuting, said: "It will be raised in this case that at the time he was mentally ill. The undisputed medical evidence in this case will be that he was insane. That means either he did not understand the nature of the acts that he was doing, or, if he did, he had no idea at all that it was wrong.

"The Crown are in effect inviting you to return a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity."

Only a jury can decide whether a defendant is insane or not, the court heard.

Theology student Mr Myers from Gateshead, was attacked on the top deck of the bus at Stamford Hill, north London. He was stabbed in the chest, face, arms and legs but has since made a full recovery.

The case is expected to finish today.