Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of a horrific stabbing in Belfast, had previously endured a harrowing attack in which he was drugged and set on fire by a gang leader. The 44-year-old is now fighting for his life in hospital after being assaulted on Kinnaird Avenue on Monday night, sustaining severe injuries including the loss of an eye.
Previous Attack in Scotland
In 2001, Mr Ogilvie had moved from Belfast to West Lothian, Scotland, to live with David McLeave. While watching television, McLeave, then 21, administered the date rape drug GHB to Mr Ogilvie before stripping him naked, dousing him with aftershave, and setting him ablaze. The attack was filmed by the perpetrators. Mr Ogilvie, who is believed to have learning difficulties, awoke to find his body engulfed in flames and later fled back to Belfast.
Sentencing of Attackers
McLeave was sentenced to 14 years at the High Court in Edinburgh in April 2003. His accomplices, Paul Campbell, Thomas Irvine, Edward Lindsay, and Lee Kingham, received prison terms for drug offences. Mr Ogilvie later testified in court that he was terrified after being kidnapped by McLeave's associates, Barry and Paul Campbell. Barry Campbell was sentenced to six years for kidnapping and possessing a rifle without a licence.
Current Stabbing Incident
Mr Ogilvie remains in hospital in a serious condition following the knife attack on Kinnaird Avenue. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer, and possession of a knife. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court, declining legal representation and offering no response through an Arabic interpreter. Alodid was remanded in custody.
Immigration Details
Alodid entered Northern Ireland via the Irish border in February 2023, having flown from Paris to Dublin. He submitted an asylum claim and was granted permission to stay in the UK until 2028. Police have found no evidence linking the stabbing to terrorism.
Mr Ogilvie's family, in a statement through Independent Councillor Stafford Ward, said: "We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one on Kinnaird Avenue. This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover."
