Minutes before his death, 87-year-old Thomas O’Halloran was captured on CCTV purchasing food and drink in Tesco, moments before his fatal stabbing. His killer, Lee Byer, passed him in a nearby passageway and carried out the attack. Byer had a history of convictions and was captured on CCTV clenching a knife in his fist. Body-worn camera footage showed Byer laughing as he was arrested for the murder. Byer was later sentenced to an indefinite hospital order, as mental health reports found him to be psychotic.
On the day of the murder, a member of the public found O’Halloran injured on his scooter and called the police. Despite efforts to save him, the grandfather was pronounced dead at the scene. Byer denied murder charges but pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and carrying an offensive weapon. Prosecutors explained that his mental state was a significant factor in the motiveless attack. Byer had a long history of criminal convictions and had just been released from prison days before the incident.
CCTV footage showed Byer purchasing new trainers at JD Sports, changing into them, and walking down the same path as O’Halloran. He was then seen disposing of the weapon in a nearby drain. Byer’s inappropriate and dismissive behavior while being arrested was indicative of his mental state at the time. The court heard that O’Halloran, a well-liked member of the community who often played music for charity, had purchased food and a bottle of milk at Tesco just minutes before the attack.
The tragic incident shocked the community, and O’Halloran’s family mourned his loss. Byer’s actions were a result of his mental health issues, as detailed in the court proceedings. Despite pleading guilty, Byer was sentenced to a hospital order rather than prison time. The case highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the impact it can have on individuals and their actions. O’Halloran’s final moments were captured on CCTV, serving as a harrowing reminder of the dangers that can lurk in unexpected places. The sentence handed down to Byer aimed to address his mental health needs while ensuring the safety of the community.
