Somali Asylum Seeker Who Fatally Stabbed A Pensioner And Seriously Injured Two Other People Avoids Jail Due to What Judge Reveals
A 68-year-old Somali asylum seeker who fatally stabbed a pensioner and seriously injured two other people during a shocking attack on Remembrance Sunday has been given a hospital order instead of a prison sentence.
Musse Ali, who had no fixed address at the time, launched the violent attack in November 2024 just moments before the country was due to observe the two-minute silence to honour members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in war.
The attack happened at the busy East Street Market in south-east London, where shoppers had gathered as normal. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people screamed and ran for safety while Ali moved through the crowded market carrying a large knife.
Investigators said Ali had stolen the 25cm kitchen knife from a nearby shop before carrying out the attack. He first stabbed 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan from behind. The pensioner suffered fatal injuries and later died, leaving his family and the local community devastated.
Ali then turned the knife on two other innocent people. Ho Man Yau, 45, and accountant Baheru Nadew Bartura, 56, were both seriously injured during the attack but survived after receiving emergency medical treatment.
Several brave members of the public stepped in to stop the violence. They tackled Ali to the ground and restrained him until police officers arrived, preventing more people from being hurt. Those who intervened have since been praised for their courage and quick actions.
During the court case, Ali admitted manslaughter, possessing a knife, and two counts of wounding with intent. Prosecutors accepted his plea after medical evidence showed he was suffering from a serious mental illness at the time of the attack.
The court heard that Ali had a history of schizoaffective disorder, a severe mental health condition that can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Because of this condition, he denied charges of murder and attempted murder on the grounds that he was suffering from diminished responsibility.
Instead of receiving a prison sentence, the court imposed a hospital order, meaning Ali will be detained in a secure mental health hospital where he will receive treatment. He can only be released if mental health professionals and the relevant authorities decide it is safe to do so.
Earlier this year, when Ali appeared before the Old Bailey, the court was told he had been too unwell to attend several previous hearings because of his mental health condition. The case has attracted widespread attention because of the fatal attack, which happened during one of the UK’s most important national days of remembrance.
