A 44-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Thomas O’Halloran, who was stabbed to death while riding a mobility scooter in Greenford, West London.
Today, Lee Byer of nearby Southall will appear before the Willesden Magistrates’ Court. Scotland Yard stated that Mr. O’Halloran’s 87-year-old family has been notified.
The retiree, who was described as a member of the Irish community in Ealing and regarded as “well-liked and well-loved,” has received numerous tributes this week.
Mr. O’Halloran was originally from Ennistymon, County Clare, in the west of Ireland, where the locals have expressed “great shock” at his passing.
Stephen Pound, a former Labour MP, paid homage to Mr. O’Halloran, a former constituent he knew from the busker’s regular presence in the neighborhood.
Mr. Pound told GB News, “Tom was a true local character; he would play the accordion and harmonica in front of Greenford station.”
“He was a kind, charming man… He was well-liked and well-liked, but more importantly, he was one of those individuals that would solidify a region.
Mr. O’Halloran is survived by his sister, two brothers, nieces, and nephews, among others.
Senator Martin Conway of the Fine Gael party stated that Mr. O’Halloran frequently visited Ireland and that his death had put his hometown of Ennistymon in “great sorrow and sadness.”
Tommy, as he was called, left Ennistymon for London 71 years ago, but he returned nearly every year until approximately 10 years ago,’ he added.
Mr. O’Halloran was pronounced dead at the scene after police were dispatched to Cayton Road in Greenford just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday for a stabbing.
Police suspect Mr. O’Halloran was stabbed on Western Avenue before riding his scooter 75 yards to Runnymede Gardens, where he signaled for assistance.