Key Points:
- Musse Ali, 66, has appeared in court charged with the murder of Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, at East Street Market, Walworth.
- Ali is also accused of attempting to murder two other men who were stabbed in the incident.
- The case was heard at the Old Bailey via video-link from Broadmoor secure hospital on March 5.
- Ali was due to enter pleas, but the hearing was adjourned until July.
- Mr McLeggan’s family described him as a warm, kind, and generous man who worked beyond retirement to support his friends and colleagues.
- The family thanked the East Street Market community for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and expressed gratitude to emergency services.
- A memorial has been set up at East Street Market in honour of Mr McLeggan.
- The family requested privacy while grieving and encouraged anyone affected by the incident to seek support.
- They also extended best wishes to the other victims and their families, hoping for their recovery.
Man Appears in Court Over East Street Market Murder
A 66-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 77-year-old man and the attempted murder of two others at East Street Market, Walworth, South East London.
Musse Ali, who has no fixed address, is accused of murdering Hilkiah McLeggan on Sunday, November 10, in an attack that also left two other men with stab wounds.
Ali appeared via video-link from Broadmoor secure hospital at the Old Bailey on March 5, where he was expected to enter pleas. However, the case was adjourned until July.
Who was Hilkiah McLeggan?
Mr McLeggan, known to his loved ones as “Mac” or “Lloyde”, was described by his family as a warm, kind, and generous man who remained hardworking beyond retirement.
In a statement, his family said:
“Hilkiah McLeggan (Mac or Lloyde to his friends and family) was a warm, kind, and generous man who would do anything for his friends and family.”
They added:
“He was a hard-working man who worked on past his retirement because he knew he could offer more of himself and enjoyed being amongst his colleagues who were also his friends.”
“His family and friends are devastated and are struggling to make sense of this terrible event.”
How did the community respond?
Following the tragedy, members of the East Street Market community came together to apprehend the suspect, showing immense bravery. The family expressed their deep appreciation for their efforts, as well as for the London Ambulance Service and police.
A memorial has been set up at East Street Market, where Mr McLeggan was a regular presence for decades.
What did the family say about the other victims?
The grieving family also extended their best wishes to the two other victims of the attack, saying:
“Our best wishes are extended to the other victims and their family. We hope they have a positive outcome and wish them well on their recovery.”
They urged anyone affected by the incident to seek help and support and requested privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
What happens next in the case?
The next hearing is scheduled for July, when Ali is expected to enter pleas to the charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
