Family grieving after killing of ‘kind’ Tommy
TWO heartbroken brothers of an Irishman stabbed to death as he rode his mobility scooter have told of their devastation at his death.
Tommy O’halloran, 87, was brutally knifed close to his home in Greenford, London, on Tuesday afternoon in what police called a “shocking act of unprovoked violence”.
The big-hearted pensioner was on his way back from a local supermarket where he regularly busked with his accordion to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees.
GENTLE
His younger brother George, who still lives in his native Ennistymon, Co Clare, said his sibling was a “kind and gentle man” who wouldn’t hurt anybody.
George, a retired fireman, added: “He was a very kind person who would get along with anybody. This was a terrible thing to have happened.
“There were 14 of us, brothers and sisters. And now there are only three of us left now Tommy has gone. Me and his brother Dickie and sister Brigid.
“He loved to play music. He did not drink or smoke but he could sit in a bar all night with a bottle of coke and listen to the band.
“Our father Thomas and mother loved music. So we were brought up listening to music. Tommy moved to London, but he always came back. Every year.”
Thomas’ other brother Dickie, 77, is now bed bound after suffering a stroke.
His wife Cosima said he broke down in tears when he heard the news of Tommy’s death.
Tommy moved to London, but always came back
CUSTODY
She told Mailonline: “Dickie is not well. He cannot speak properly any longer and can no longer walk.
“But when he saw on the news that Tommy had been murdered tears started running down his face. They were such good friends.
George’s son Thomas O’halloran Jnr, named after his uncle Thomas and his grandfather, told RTE: “It’s complete numbness with the loss of our uncle.”
Lee Byer, 44, of Southall, London, was remanded in custody after appearing in Willesden Magistrates’ Court charged with murder of the pensioner.
He is expected to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.