Belfast ‘tried beheading’ sufferer Stephen Ogilvie out of induced coma after shedding eye
Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed on Kinnaird Avenue on June 8 in an incident which led to two nights of disorder across parts of Northern Ireland. He has lost at least one eye and suffered other horror injuries
Stephen Ogilvie
The parents of a North Belfast knife attack victim have confirmed there is a chance he may be left blind.
Stephen Ogilvie was knifed on Kinnaird Avenue on 8 June in an incident that sparked two nights of unrest across parts of Northern Ireland.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife. In an update shared on the GoFundMe page, which has amassed over £31,000 for the victim, his parents confirmed he is now out of his induced coma.
“On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, and kept Stephen in their thoughts and prayers,” they said, reports Belfast Live.
“We are relieved to share that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead. The funds raised will help provide Stephen with the equipment, support, and everyday items he may need as he adjusts to life following this attack.
“With the loss of sight in his left eye and the possibility of losing sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life.
“We have been truly humbled by the kindness of so many people, many of whom have never met our family. Thank you all for your incredible support, and please continue to share the fundraiser with your friends and family if you can.”
Ogilvie was previously drugged and set alight by an Ulster gang leader at a flat. Stephen Ogilvie, who has connections to Scotland, was assaulted by David McLeave at the property in West Lothian in 2001.
Mr Ogilvie, 44, relocated from Belfast to Scotland to live with McLeave but was attacked by the drug dealer while watching television. McLeave, who was 21 at the time, administered the date rape drug GBH to Mr Ogilvie before stripping him naked, dousing him with aftershave and setting him ablaze.
Vulnerable Mr Ogilvie, who is believed to have learning difficulties, subsequently awoke to discover his body engulfed in flames. The horrific attack was filmed by his tormentors. He then escaped back to Belfast.
McLeave was sentenced to 14 years at the High Court in Edinburgh in April 2003. His criminal associates Paul Campbell, then aged 20, Thomas Irvine, 21, Edward Lindsay, 23, and 21 year old Lee Kingham received prison terms for drug offences.
Upon his return to Belfast, Mr Ogilvie revealed to the court how he feared for his life after being forced into a vehicle by McLeave’s accomplices Barry and Paul Campbell.
Campbell’s brother Barry, 21, was also sentenced to six years imprisonment for his role in kidnapping terrified Mr Ogilvie and possessing a rifle without a licence.
At the time, Mr Ogilvie told the court: “I am terrified and my nerves are shattered.” Mr Ogilvie is presently in hospital with grave injuries following a dreadful knife assault on Belfast’s Kinnaird Avenue on Monday night.
He continues to be in a serious state in hospital, receiving treatment for severe injuries, including the loss of one of his eyes.
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