A MAN charged with murdering an 87-year-old grandad on a mobility scooter knifed him in the neck, chest and stomach, a post mortem found.
Thomas O'Halloran fell victim to the "vicious attack" of "unprovoked violence" last week.
Horrified passersby desperately tried to save Thomas after the horror attack in Greenford, West London, just after 4pm last Tuesday.
But despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene after the horrifying ambush.
A post-mortem examination found the grandfather, who was known "throughout the local community", had sustained multiple stab wounds to the neck, chest and abdomen.
Lee Byer, 44, has been charged with murder and possessing a large knife.
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On Tuesday, he made his first appearance at the Old Bailey before the Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft QC.
The defendant appeared by video link from custody at Belmarsh prison wearing a grey tracksuit.
A plea hearing date was set for November 8 with a provisional trial of up to three weeks from May 2 2023.
Byer has been remanded into custody.
Shortly after 4pm on August 16, police received a 999 call from a member of the public who found Thomas injured on his scooter.
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At that time, Thomas was able to tell the passer-by that he had been stabbed – although wounds to his body were clearly visible.
The police arrived within minutes to find Thomas had collapsed and was being helped by members of the public.
Police and medics took over first aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.54pm.
Byer, of no fixed address, was charged on August 19 with Thomas's murder and possessing a large knife.
Thomas was well-known in the area and often busked with his accordion outside a nearby Tesco and the train station.
He had lived in Greenford since the '70s.
Locals say he played to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.
Touching footage shows him beaming outside a supermarket while raising money.
Some of those living in the area had given him the nickname "Mr Bond", while others affectionately knew him as "Uncle Tom".
Neighbour Anushka Burnett, 37, said: “He’s absolutely lovely, he is one of the best neighbours.
"He is very helpful. If I’m outside trying to clean up or something or if I need anything, tools, he will pop them over.
"He’s so helpful, lovely, always has conversations with everyone. As soon as he sees you out, walk over, and he’ll just start talking to you.
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"At his age he’d always like to have a joke as well, always laughing."
Thomas is believed to have been heading to the pub when the attack happened, one friend said.
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