Old Bailey hears details of his final moments from witnesses
Thomas O'Halloran busking outside Perivale station. Picture: Facebook
A hearing at the Old Bailey has heard from witnesses who were there just before 87-year-old Thomas O'Halloran died.
The court was told this Tuesday morning (23 August) that he was able to give details of his attack before he succumbed to multiple stab wounds in his chest and neck.
The popular local figure, who was often seen busking to raise funds for charity outside local train stations, was attacked as he was travelling near Western Avenue in Greenford at around 4pm on 16 August.
He made his way to a nearby residential street and managed to attract the attention of a passer-by who called the emergency services. He was able to talk to and told members of the public he had been stabbed. It took just a few minutes for the police to arrive. They administered emergency first aid before the arrival of paramedics in an ambulance and a London's Air Ambulance helicopter. However, his wounds were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man charged with killing him, 44-year-old Lee Byer, appeared by video link in custody as he is currently remanded to HMP Belmarsh.
The judge further remanded Byer in custody until a plea hearing which is due to take place on 8 November ahead of a trial on 2 May next year.
This Sunday (21 August) members of the Irish community from Greenford and surrounding areas came together to pay a musical tribute to Mr O'Halloran near the spot where he died on Cayton Road.
Songs that had been played by Mr O'Halloran, originally from Ennistymon in Co Clare, were sung and Father Thomas Daly said prayers for the repose of his soul. Flowers, candles and holy water were laid near the site of his death.
Julian Gallant, Leader of the Conservative Group on Ealing Council said, "Conservative Councillors were, like the whole community, deeply shocked by the senseless murder of 87-year-old Thomas O’Halloran in Greenford on Tuesday 16 August.
"Possession of weapons is unacceptable. The law is very clear that carrying a knife or sharp
instrument in public is a criminal offence.
"It is a question now of enforcement and education. We must as a society show that carrying
a weapon is as dangerous for the carrier as for any potential victim.
"Ealing Conservatives will work constructively with other political parties and the police to
make Ealing a safer place to live.2
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August 23, 2022
