Stephen Ogilvie, the man who lost an eye in a recent knife attack in Belfast, was previously set on fire by a gang leader in Scotland. The 44-year-old, who has learning difficulties, suffered knife wounds to his face, neck, and back during the stabbing on Monday night, June 8. He is currently fighting for his life in hospital.
Previous Attack in Scotland
It has emerged that Ogilvie had moved from Belfast to West Lothian, Scotland, to live with David McLeave. In 2001, when McLeave was 21, he attacked Ogilvie while they were watching television. McLeave drugged Ogilvie with the date rape drug GHB, stripped him, poured aftershave on his body, and set him on fire. Ogilvie woke up to find himself engulfed in flames, and the attack was recorded on video by the drug gang.
The ordeal forced Ogilvie to return to Belfast. McLeave was sentenced to 14 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh in April 2003. Other gang members—Paul Campbell (20), Thomas Irvine (21), Edward Lindsay (23), and Lee Kingham (21)—were jailed for drug offenses.
Impact on Victim
Ogilvie described being "terrified" and told the court at the time, "My nerves are shattered." After returning to Belfast, he expressed fear for his life following the Scotland ordeal. He remains hospitalized with serious injuries, including the loss of an eye.
Current Attack and Charges
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the Belfast stabbing. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 10, where he refused legal representation and made no reply to charges read through an Arabic interpreter. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again on July 8.
Police reported that Alodid flew into Dublin from Paris in February 2023, crossed into Northern Ireland via the Irish border, lodged an asylum claim, and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
Riots and Family Statement
The knife attack has sparked riots across Belfast. In a statement released via Independent Councillor Stafford Ward, Ogilvie's family 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."
