Homeless Man Charged with Stabbing Pensioner to Death and Injuring Two Others at South London Market, Court Hears

Tragic Incident at East Street Market

A homeless man has been found guilty of manslaughter after a tragic incident at East Street Market in Walworth, south London, where he fatally stabbed a grandfather and injured two others on Remembrance Sunday, November 10, 2024. Musse Ali, aged 67, was charged with the death of 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan, alongside the assaults on Ho Man Yau and Baheru Nadew Bartura.

During a sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that Ali suffers from a schizoaffective disorder, a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. At the time of the attack, he had not been adhering to his prescribed medication regime. The family of Mr McLeggan expressed their devastation over the loss, highlighting the profound impact of Ali’s life choices on their lives.

Details of the Attack

Ali, originally from Somalia, had sought asylum in the UK in 1990. He pleaded guilty to charges including manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, possession of a blade, and wounding with intent. Prosecutor Allan Compton KC outlined the events leading up to the attack, stating that Ali had taken a bus to the market, an otherwise unremarkable journey.

Upon arrival, Ali entered a shop and stole a knife, which the shopkeeper initially mistook for a theft of vapes. Once outside, the shopkeeper realised Ali was armed. The court was informed that Ali then proceeded to stab three individuals in rapid succession. Mr Yau was the first victim, attacked unexpectedly as he walked through the market. Witnesses described Ali’s appearance as alarming, with one stating that he “looked crazy” and appeared unkempt.

Panic in the Market

Ali then assaulted Mr Bartura from behind before turning on Mr McLeggan. The chaotic scene prompted terrified bystanders to shout warnings about the knife, as Ali lunged at other members of the public before being restrained. When police arrived, they found Ali on the ground, claiming to have injured his leg. Sadly, Mr McLeggan succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other victims were transported to hospital with serious wounds.

The court learned that Ali had not taken his medication since leaving supported living in August 2024, which contributed to the tragic events. In his victim impact statement, Mr Bartura expressed the profound changes the attack had wrought on his life, stating that his physical health, mental well-being, and independence had all been irrevocably damaged. He described living in a state of constant anxiety and fear, highlighting the long-lasting effects of the traumatic experience.

Family’s Heartfelt Statements

Mr McLeggan’s daughter, Laura, delivered an emotional statement to the court, articulating the devastation wrought by Ali’s choices. She noted that Ali had made a conscious decision to discontinue his medication and withdraw from mental health services, actions which she believes contributed to the incident. The family emphasised the lack of remorse shown by Ali, arguing that Mr McLeggan’s murder was preventable.

Another daughter, Sarah McLeggan, lamented the reality that Ali may never fully comprehend the impact of his actions on their family and the wider community. She characterised her father as a cherished figure, a confidant, and a source of support for many. The responsible clinician for Ali testified that his severe and treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder played a significant role in the events, suggesting that the attack might have been avoided had he been receiving appropriate treatment.

Continuing Sentencing Proceedings

The sentencing hearing remains ongoing as the court considers the circumstances surrounding the tragic events and the impact on the victims and their families. The case has prompted discussions regarding mental health treatment and the responsibilities of individuals who suffer from severe mental health conditions. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.