A MAN has appeared in court accused of the murder of an elderly Irish busker fatally stabbed while riding his mobility scooter in west London.
Lee Byer (44) of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Co Clare native Thomas O'Halloran in Greenford in London on August 16.
Mr O'Halloran (87) originally from Ennistymon but living in London for many decades, was stabbed in the neck, chest and abdomen. Mr Dyer was charged with his murder and with illegal possession of a knife three days after the attack.
The accused is due to go on trial on May 2 for the murder of the much liked Irishman, who continued to busk outside the train station despite his advanced years.
Many in the London Irish community paid tribute to the Clare man by singing his favourite songs, including Irish ballads, outside the station shortly after his murder.
Police were alerted by a member of the public who found the still conscious victim travelling in the scooter but who reported he had been stabbed.
By the time police arrived on the scene, the elderly Irishman had collapsed from the scooter and was being helped by members of the public.
