Thomas O’Halloran, 87, was stabbed to death in August 2022 by Lee Byer, 45. O’Halloran was riding a mobility scooter when he was attacked in Greenford, west London. A passerby called 999 after seeing O’Halloran with multiple stab wounds in an attempt to get help. Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, he could not be saved. Byer, who has a criminal history dating back to 1992, was arrested two days after the attack. Byer admitted to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and possession of an offensive weapon, citing his mental health issues as a significant factor in the attack.
Byer has a criminal record with at least 30 offenses, including armed robberies and firearms-related crimes. He was described as a “Fagin-like” character who had a gang involved in high-value thefts. He had been sentenced to prison multiple times, including a 12-year jail term in 2011 for organizing armed robberies. Byer was released from prison on August 11, 2022, shortly before the fatal attack on Thomas O’Halloran. Byer denied murder but admitted to manslaughter and possession of an offensive weapon. Mental health experts confirmed that Byer was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms at the time of the attack.
The court heard that an elderly man on a mobility scooter playing the accordion outside a Tesco in west London was the victim of the fatal stabbing. Mr. O’Halloran had been busking to raise money for Ukraine in the months leading up to his death. The post-mortem examination revealed multiple stab wounds on his body. Byer was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on May 10, where the level of responsibility he retains for the attack will be addressed by psychiatrists. Detective Chief Inspector Laura Nelson led the investigation into O’Halloran’s death and emphasized the senselessness of the crime, expressing condolences to his family.
Lee Byer’s criminal actions were closely tracked from his release up to the day of the attack on O’Halloran. The investigation used evidence to link Byer to the crime scene, and forensic examinations played a crucial role in determining his involvement. Byer was confirmed to have been suffering from psychotic symptoms at the time, which significantly impaired his ability to make rational decisions. Judge Mark Lucraft, QC, accepted Byer’s guilty plea based on diminished responsibility, considering the psychiatric evidence presented. Byer’s sentencing is scheduled for May 10, where further details about his mental health and responsibility for the attack will be addressed. The tragic death of Thomas O’Halloran was highlighted by the investigative efforts of the police and mental health professionals.
