Man denies murdering MP stabbed at surgery
THE man accused of killing Sir David Amess in a terrorist attack has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Ali Harbi Ali, 25, allegedly stabbed the Tory MP at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on October 15. He is also accused of preparing to commit a terrorist atrocity.
Prosecutors allege he engaged in reconnaissance of locations of targets, including the Houses of Parliament and addresses associated with MPs. London-born Ali, who hails from a prominent Somalian family, appeared before Mr Justice Sweeney at the Old Bailey yesterday.
The senior judge appeared remotely from Manchester Crown Court while Ali stood in the dock in London. Wearing a black face mask, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sir David, 69, and the charge of preparing acts of terrorism between May 1, 2019 and September 28 this year.
Prosecutors allege that Ali travelled by train from his home in Kentish Town, north London, to attend Sir David’s surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church for a 12pm appointment on October 15.
During the meeting, Ali alleg
‘Ideological motivation’
edly produced a large knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbed Sir David.
The MP for Southend West was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.13pm and Ali was arrested.
Prosecutors will argue that Ali was affiliated with Islamic State and that the killing has a terrorist connection with religious and ideological motivations. A provisional trial date had been set for March 7 but the judge agreed to push it back to March 21 after discussions with the prosecution and defence. Ali was remanded into custody.