A homeless man has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after killing a pensioner and injuring two others in a knife attack at a south London market on Remembrance Sunday. Musse Ali, 67, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, and to wounding two other men with intent during the incident at East Street market in Walworth on November 10, 2024.
Indefinite Hospital Order for Market Attack Perpetrator
The sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey heard that Ali suffers from schizoaffective disorder, a condition encompassing symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It was noted that he had not been taking his prescribed medication at the time of the attack. The family of Mr. McLeggan expressed their devastation, stating that Ali’s choices had profoundly impacted their lives.
Ali, who arrived in the UK from Somalia in 1990 seeking asylum, had previously entered a guilty plea for manslaughter by diminished responsibility, possession of a bladed article, and wounding with intent. His sentencing on Wednesday followed this admission.
Judge’s Remarks on Tragic Events
His Honour Judge Nigel Lickley KC described the events of November 10, 2024, as tragic, noting that the defendant had armed himself with a large kitchen knife. The judge emphasized that Ali was experiencing severe mental illness at the time, which was the primary factor behind his violent actions. “A life was lost and many lives changed as a consequence,” the judge stated, acknowledging the profound impact of the attack on the victims and their families.
The court heard that Ali’s actions caused significant alarm and distress, and the judge concluded that he is undoubtedly a dangerous individual. Expert testimony presented to the court supported the view that Ali’s violent behavior was a direct result of his severe mental unwellness.
Sequence of the Attack
Prosecutor Allan Compton KC detailed how Ali was captured on CCTV entering the market around 10:30 a.m. after an ordinary bus journey. The court heard that he then jumped over a shop counter, apparently attempting to steal a knife. The shop manager, initially believing Ali was trying to steal vapes, escorted him out of the store. It was only then that the manager realized Ali was carrying a blade.
Ali proceeded to stab three individuals in rapid succession. The first victim, Ho Man Yau, was walking through the market when Ali allegedly “ran at him” and inflicted multiple stab wounds. In a statement, Mr. Yau described Ali as appearing “crazy,” with wide, frightening eyes and an unkempt appearance.
Following the attack on Mr. Yau, Ali then stabbed Baheru Nadew Bartura from behind before fatally wounding Mr. McLeggan. Panicked onlookers reportedly shouted warnings about the knife. Ali is said to have then lunged at other members of the public before being disarmed and restrained by bystanders.
Victims’ Experiences and Impact
Mr. McLeggan died at the scene from a stab wound to the back. The other two victims were hospitalized with serious injuries. At the police station, Ali reportedly stated that he had not intended to kill anyone. Authorities confirmed at the time that the incident was not being treated as terrorism.
In a victim impact statement, Mr. Bartura shared how the attack had irrevocably altered his life, shattering his physical health, mental well-being, independence, and future prospects. He described becoming reliant on his family due to overwhelming anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and a persistent fear of further attacks, stating, “No sentence imposed by the court can restore my health or return the life that was taken from me.”
Family Statements and Mental Health Context
Laura McLeggan, daughter of the deceased, expressed the family’s profound devastation, attributing it to Ali’s “life choices.” She specifically mentioned Ali’s decision to stop taking his medication and to leave supported living and mental health services. She stated that Ali had shown “no remorse” and that her father’s murder was preventable.
Another daughter, Sarah McLeggan, conveyed the “soul-destroying” thought that Ali might never possess the mental capacity to fully comprehend his actions or their devastating impact. She remembered her father as a “dear friend, confidant, go-to guy when things went wrong” and someone who was “everything to everyone.”
The responsible clinician for Ali informed the court that the defendant has a severe and treatment-resistant form of schizoaffective disorder. The clinician opined that Ali would not have committed the offense if he had not been suffering from his illness, suggesting the event was a direct consequence of his untreated mental health condition.
Conclusion: A Life Lost, Lives Changed
The sentencing reflects the court’s acknowledgment of Musse Ali’s severe mental illness as the primary driver of the violent attack. The indefinite hospital order aims to provide necessary treatment for Ali while ensuring public safety, recognizing the profound and lasting impact of the events on the victims and their families. The case underscores the complex interplay between mental health, individual choices, and tragic outcomes.
