Belfast Stabbing Suspect Identified as Sudanese National as Court Hears Victim Lost Eye in Brutal Attack
A 30-year-old Sudanese national appeared in Belfast Magistrates’ Court today via videolink, charged with attempted murder following a graphic knife attack on Monday that has triggered widespread rioting across Northern Ireland.
The suspect, identified as Hadi Alodid, is accused of the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, possession of a knife in a public place, and threatening to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the victim sustained catastrophic injuries and lost his left eye during the assault, which was captured in a widely circulated video showing the assailant straddling the victim and slashing at his head and neck in what has been described as an attempted beheading.
Alodid, who required an Arabic interpreter, refused legal representation and made no reply when the charges were read.
Police strongly opposed bail, citing fears of significant public disorder due to intense community anger.
The suspect, who was granted temporary leave to remain in the UK in 2023 after claiming asylum, has been remanded in custody for four weeks.
The brutal nature of the incident has since sparked major anti-immigration protests and violent clashes across Belfast, resulting in several vehicles being set on fire and multiple arrests for rioting.
