K.n.i.f.e-Wielding Asylum Seeker Allegedly Tells Cops ‘I Killed Someone’ After Brutal Belfast Dockside S.t..a.b.b.i.n.g That Ripped Out Victim’s Eye
A SUDANESE asylum seeker reportedly told cops “I’ve killed someone” after allegedly stabbing a man in a Belfast knife attack, a court heard today.
Hadi Alodid was detained after Stephen Ogilvie, believed to be aged 44, lost his left eye in the horror and suffered a severely damaged right eye.
Harrowing footage showed a man repeatedly slashing at the man’s face and neck as horrified onlookers screamed “get off”.
One witness could be heard shouting: “He’s trying to cut his head off.”
Alodid appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today charged with attempted murder.
The 30-year-old is also accused of threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife – although no details on those charges were heard.
JPs were told Stephen lost his left eye in the attack and suffered injuries to his right eye.
He was also left with slash wounds to his neck and back during the assault in north Belfast on Monday.
The court heard that after being arrested, Alodid allegedly told emergency services: “I’ve killed someone. I don’t know if they are dead.”
He also told medical staff “I will kill you” while in hospital receiving treatment for a hand injury, it is alleged.
Alodid refused legal representation and made no reply when the charges were put put to him this morning through an Arabic interpreter.
The defendant, who appeared in court via videolink, was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing on July 8.
Fury erupted in Belfast last night after police revealed the defendant had travelled to the UK in February 2023.
He had gone from Paris to Dublin before entering Northern Ireland across the border.
The suspect claimed asylum upon arrival and in September 2023 was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
Protesters took to the streets in a night of carnage as homes were torched and a bus and cars set alight.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) set up barricades and organised fleets of riot vans after issuing a dispersal order.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said officers had worked alongside partner agencies “responding to incidents as they arise and helping to keep people safe”.
Stephen’s family have now spoken out in the wake of the disorder.
They said: “We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.
“We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.
“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident. We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.
“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”
The horror unfolded on Monday night after footage appeared to show a man stabbing at the victim’s head and neck while he was lying on the ground.
It was only brought to an end after brave bystanders and police officers rushed to intervene.
Among the heroes was Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, known as Matt, who stumbled upon the scene after returning home from a night out.
He was seen using a wooden hurling stick to charge towards the suspect.
Police later said the actions of courageous members of the public and responding officers had “undoubtedly” saved the victim’s life.
Stephen remains in a serious condition in hospital receiving treatment for serious eye, face and back wounds.
Detectives have said there is no indication Monday’s knife attack was terror-related.
