Musse Ali, 67, a homeless man, stole a knife and used it to kill a grandfather and stab two others at East Street market in Walworth, south London, on Remembrance Sunday morning, November 10 2024, a court has heard.
Attack Details
Prosecutor Allan Compton KC told the Old Bailey that Ali travelled to the market by bus in an unremarkable journey. Upon arrival, he entered a shop and stole a knife. The shopkeeper believed Ali was trying to steal vapes and pushed him out, then realised the defendant was holding a blade.
Ali then stabbed three people in quick succession, the court was told. The first victim, Ho Man Yau, was walking through the market when Ali ran at him and stabbed him multiple times. In a witness statement, Mr Yau said the defendant looked crazy, with wide and scary eyes, and appeared unclean.
Victims and Injuries
Ali then stabbed Baheru Nadew Bartura from behind before stabbing Hilkiah McLeggan, 77. Panicked bystanders shouted he has a knife, and Ali lunged at other members of the public before being disarmed. Mr McLeggan died at the scene from a stab wound to the back. The other two victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Bartura said the incident changed his life: In a matter of seconds, the attack shattered my physical health, psychiatric well-being, independence and hopes for the future. He said he has become dependent on his wife and children and is effectively housebound due to overwhelming anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Defendant's Mental Health
The court heard that Ali, born in Somalia, moved to the UK in 1990 after seeking asylum. He had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, experiencing symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He had not been taking his medication since leaving supported living in August 2024.
Ali previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, having an article with a blade, and wounding with intent. The responsible clinician said Ali has a serious and treatment-resistant form of the disorder and would not have offended if he did not suffer the illness.
Family Impact
Mr McLeggan's daughter Laura said Ali's life choices have left our family devastated. She said Ali was sound of mind when he made a conscious decision to end his medication and abscond from supported living, showing no remorse. She added: The murder of our father was preventable.
Another daughter, Sarah McLeggan, described her father as a dear friend, confidant, and go-to guy who was everything to everyone. The sentencing hearing is ongoing.
