An 87-year-old pensioner stabbed to death while on his mobility scooter was able to reveal details of the attack before he died, it has emerged as his suspected killer appeared in court.
Thomas O’Halloran, a grandfather and popular local busker, died from stab wounds to his chest and neck after being attacked in broad-daylight near to the A40 in Greenford, west London.
Lee Byer, 44, was remanded in custody on Tuesday at the Old Bailey, with a trial scheduled for May next year.
Prosecutor Louise Oakley told the hearing of extensive efforts to save Mr O’Halloran’s life in the aftermath of the stabbing, shortly after 4pm on August 16.
“A 999 call was received by the police, the caller had discovered the deceased travelling in a mobility scooter from a passageway.
“At that time, the deceased was able to tell that individual he had been stabbed.
“It was obvious he had sustained a number of stab wounds to his body.
“Police arrived within a matter of minutes and found the deceased had collapsed and was being assisted by various members of the public.
“The police took over emergency first aid and were subsequently assisted by London Ambulance Service and also HEMS.
“Despite their best efforts, the deceased was pronounced life extinct.”
Byer, from Southall, west London, was arrested on August 18, and subsequently charged with Mr O’Halloran’s murder.
At the Old Bailey on Tuesday morning, Judge Mark Lucraft QC, the Recorder of London, remanded Byer in custody until a plea hearing on November 8. A trial is due to start on May 2 next year.
Byer appeared in court via videolink from HMP Belmarsh, where he is currently being held.
He did not enter a plea.
