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Thomas O’Halloran, 87, died on August 16 in Greenford, west London, after what prosecutors described as a “vicious attack.

Lee Byer, 44, has appeared at the Old Bailey charged with Mr O’Halloran’s murder, with a trial scheduled for May.

During a pre-trial hearing this morning, the court heard Mr. O’Halloran tell a passerby that he had been stabbed because wounds on his body were visible.

A member of the public called police after discovering the victim riding his scooter in a passageway between Runneymede Gardens and Welland Gardens.

Within minutes, the police arrived to find Mr. O’Halloran had collapsed and was being assisted by members of the public.

Police and medics responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The grandfather, who was known “throughout the local community,” had multiple stab wounds to the neck, chest, and abdomen, according to a post-mortem examination.

On August 19, Byer, of no fixed address, was charged with Mr O’Halloran’s murder and possession of a large knife.

On Tuesday, he appeared in court via video link from Belmarsh prison.

Judge Mark Lucraft QC scheduled a plea hearing for November 8 and a provisional trial for up to three weeks beginning on May 2, 2023.

Byer was remanded in custody.

Mr. O’Halloran, originally from County Clare in western Ireland, was a dedicated musician who was “very popular” in Greenford, frequently busking for charity.

Social media footage shows him busking to raise money for Ukraine months before the murder.

His family, which includes his sister, two brothers, nieces and nephews, survives him.

Mr. O’Halloran was a regular visitor to Ireland, according to Fine Gael senator Martin Conway, and his death has left his hometown of Ennistymon in “deep shock and sadness.”

“Tommy, as he was known, left Ennistymon for London 71 years ago but returned almost every year until about ten years ago,” he explained.