Family of pensioner stabbed to death on mobility scooter in ‘complete numbness’

The family of Thomas O’Halloran, who was killed in a violent attack while on his mobility scooter, have spoken of their “complete numbness” since his death.

The 87-year-old died after being stabbed in the chest in Greenford, west London, on Tuesday.

Originally from Ennistymon in Co Clare in the west of Ireland, the pensioner was born into a large family and lived in a cottage on the outskirts of the town.

He is survived by his sister, two brothers, nieces and nephews.

One of his nephews, Thomas O’Halloran Jnr, described him as “always caring” and “always giving”.

“It’s complete numbness with the loss of our uncle,” he told Irish broadcaster RTE.

“It’s been horrendous, absolutely terrifying that something like this could happen to such a gentle, kind person.”

The late Mr O’Halloran was known throughout the community for busking to raise money for charity, with his nephew adding that he was a “great musical talent”.

“Just an all-round good person that always did his best to give back to everybody around him,” he said.

“At that stage in somebody’s life, to reach 87 is a feat in itself, but to be tragically taken away from his direct family and his extended family here in Ireland, it’s senseless. Absolutely senseless.

“The violence, seemingly for no particular reason, which has completely shocked all of us.

“It’s numbing, it’s unbearable to think about.”

‘This was a terrible thing’

In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, the pensioner’s younger brother George spoke of the humble circumstances in which they grew up without electricity or running water.

“Our father Thomas and mother loved music. So we were brought up listening to music. That is where Tommy got his love of music,” he said.

“He was a very kind person who would get along with anybody. This was a terrible thing to have happened.”

Officers were called to Cayton Road to reports of a stabbing just after 4pm, with Mr O’Halloran declared dead at the scene.

Detectives believe he was stabbed in Western Avenue before managing to travel around 75 yards on his mobility scooter to Runnymede Gardens, where he flagged down a member of the public for help.

On Friday, the man charged with Mr O’Halloran’s murder, Lee Byer, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody.

Byer, from Southall, west London, stood in the dock wearing grey prison-issue tracksuit bottoms and T-shirt, with a jumper tied around his waist.

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