Accused of murdering this basketball coach after trying to kill pensioner

An alleged knifeman charged with murdering a basketball coach seconds and trying to kill a grandmother was remanded in custody.

Norris Henry, 37, allegedly stabbed 20-year-old Ali Abucar Ali in the chest after attacking 82-year-old Elizabeth Walsh near her home in Brentford, west London.

Mr Ali died at the scene in Albany Parade, last Friday (12).

Mrs Walsh suffered serious knife wounds but is no longer in a critical condition after kidney surgery.

Norris Henry, 37, of Brook Road South, Brentford, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs charged with murder and attempted murder.

Wearing a green and yellow prison issue tracksuit he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said Henry appeared to be ‘agitated’ when he approached a parked a car and asked the occupants for a cigarette.

Henry then stabbed Mrs Walsh in the back with a 30cm knife as she walked by, the court heard.

Mr Polnay told the court Henry then approached Mr Ali and said: ‘You want it as well’ before knifing him in the chest.

Henry fled and threw the knife over the fence. He was arrested later that day.

Mr Polnay added that the attacks were ‘entirely unprovoked’ and ‘lacking any motive or reason.’

Judge Deborah Trowler remanded Henry in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on February 21.

A crowd-funding page for Mr Ali has since raised more than £70,000 with well wishers calling him a ‘brave young man’ and ‘upstanding member of our local community’.

Samale Nur described him as a ‘true selfless hero’.
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