Family of Thomas O’Halloran, 87, ‘completely numb’ after his ‘horrendous' death

The family of a pensioner who was fatally stabbed as he rode his mobility scooter have said they have “complete numbness” over his “horrendous” death.

Thomas O'Halloran, 87, also known as Tom, was attacked in broad daylight on Tuesday afternoon in Greenford, west London, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lee Byer, 44, appeared in court on Friday charged with his murder after he was arrested at an address in Southall in the early hours of Thursday.

The pensioner's nephew, also called Thomas O'Halloran, has described his family's pain following his death.

"Just complete numbness with the loss of our uncle," he told Irish broadcaster RTE.

Watch: Family of pensioner stabbed to death on mobility scooter in 'complete numbness'

Speaking from his house in Ennistymon, County Clare, in Ireland, Mr O'Halloran added: "It's been horrendous, absolutely terrifying that something like this could happen to such a gentle, kind person."

Mr O'Halloran said his uncle was an “all-round good person” who always tried to give back to his community and family.

The grandfather, originally from County Clare, was a passionate musician and described as “very popular” in Greenford, often busking for charity.

Read more: Irish president pays tribute to ‘generosity and kindness’ of Thomas O’Halloran

Byer, from Southall, west London, appeared in the dock at Willesden Magistrates Court flanked by a security officer.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he was of no fixed abode.

Malik Aldeiri, defending, made no application for bail.

Byer was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murder and possession of an offensive weapon – a large knife – and was remanded in custody by Deputy District Judge Ross Cohen ahead of his next appearance at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Outlining the case against Byer, prosecutor Louise Ahmad described the alleged murder as a “vicious attack”.

She said Mr O’Halloran, a grandfather known “throughout the local community”, collapsed from his mobility scooter outside Runnymede Gardens in Cayton Road having been stabbed in the chest.

He was found by a member of the public, who telephoned for assistance, she added.

The judge said he faces a bail hearing at the Old Bailey next week and is expected to face a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on 16 September.

“This is a matter this court has no power to deal with and accordingly I am sending both matters… to the Central Criminal Court,” he told Byer.