Homeless Somali knifeman admits killing pensioner in London on Remembrance Sunday

Peter Stevens
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:23:22 +0000

A homeless Somali man has admitted to killing a pensioner in London on Remembrance Sunday.

Musse Ali, 68, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Hilkiah McLeggan, 77.

He also attacked two other people in East Street Market in Walworth on November 10, 2024.

Ali admitted wounding Ho Man Yau and Baheru Nadew Bartura with intent and having an article with a blade as he appeared in a court hearing at the Old Bailey before Judge Nigel Lickley KC.

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He was wearing a grey hoodie and black coat as the court he had been "too unwell" to participate in previous court hearings.

Ali, who is currently being held at notorious psychiatric facility Broadmoor, entered the market at 10.30am and went into a shop, prosecution told the court a previous hearing.

He then jumped over a counter and appeared to be attempting to steal something.

The manager of the store pushed him away and outside the shop, then saw that Ali had a knife, the court was told.

He then stabbed three people in quick succession.

Stallholders detained Ali before he was arrested.

Mr McLeggan died at the scene from a stab wound to the back.

The other two victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

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Ali said he "did not intend to murder" while at Brixton police station.

The court heard how Ali had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

Ali was originally charged with murder and two offences of attempted murder - but prosecution accepted pleas to lessen charges after learning of his psychological troubles.

Mr Robinson told the court: "Mr Ali was arrested at the scene and very soon was in receipt of treatment for his schizoaffective disorder.

"During the course of these proceedings there have been eight psychiatric reports - each has agreed that he has a longstanding diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder."

He had failed to take medication to treat psychosis in April 2024 when he became homeless, the court heard.

Scotland Yard said at the time the incident was not treated as a terrorist attack.

Judge Lickley has adjourned the case until May 1, when a sentencing date will be set.