A Libyan migrant who once threatened to torch his taxpayer-funded hotel has been locked up for 24 years following a brutal knife attack outside a café in west London.
Frenzied Stabbing in Shepherd’s Bush
Abdalla Barka, 45, launched a violent assault on Hamza Al-Badri, repeatedly stabbing him outside a café in Shepherd’s Bush after accusing him of theft. The savage attack left Mr Al-Badri with serious wounds to his left leg, leaving him unable to walk properly.
The court heard the two had briefly lived together before their relationship turned sour. Barka chased Mr Al-Badri down the street, wielding a knife he stole from the café and stabbed him multiple times. “The attack was violent and sustained,” said Judge Alexander Milne. A brave passerby had to step in to stop Barka from potentially killing the victim.
Not His First Brush with the Law
This isn’t Barka’s first run-in with the law. In 2023, he served 15 months after threatening to set himself alight with petrol and matches at Leonardo’s Guest House in Swansea. Staff had asked him to leave, sparking his angry threats to “burn himself and the building down.” The hotel’s owner was left terrified and in tears by the incident.
Judge Issues Heavy Sentence, Hints at Deportation
Despite Barka denying the charges, a jury found him guilty of attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place. The judge sentenced him to 24 years, with two-thirds to be served behind bars.
Judge Milne noted Barka’s chaotic lifestyle and homelessness at the time but condemned the attack’s severity, highlighting Mr Al-Badri’s ongoing agony and uncertain recovery.
“We accept you were effectively homeless at the time, but this violent attack cannot be excused,” said the judge. “You may face deportation after release, but that decision lies with other authorities.”
Barka, originally from Libya, had lived in Sweden before arriving in the UK eight years ago. He remains in custody at Hunt Close, Shepherd’s Bush, while authorities consider his future in the country.
Public Reaction
- Many question why Barka cannot be deported immediately, criticising the cost to taxpayers.
- Comments reflect shock and disbelief at the brutal knife attack and Barka’s history.
