Frenzied Knife Assault in Shepherd’s Bush
A Libyan migrant with a violent past has been locked up for 24 years after a savage knife attack outside a west London cafe. Abdalla Barka, 45, went on a frenzied stabbing spree, repeatedly slashing Hamza Al-Badri. The victim was accused of theft, but the assault left him seriously injured, unable to walk properly due to severe wounds to his left leg.
Convicted Despite Denials
Barka denied all charges, but a Southwark Crown Court jury found him guilty of attempted murder and carrying a knife in public. The court heard the attack was “violent and sustained”, leaving a permanent mark on the victim’s life.
History of Threats and Violence
This isn’t Barka’s first brush with the law. In 2023, he was jailed for 15 months after threatening to torch a taxpayer-funded hotel in Swansea. Living at Leonardo’s Guest House, he was told to leave by the staff. Furious, he threatened to set himself and the building on fire using petrol and matches.
Possible Deportation After Prison
Barka came to the UK from Sweden eight years ago, having originally been born in Libya. The judge warned he might face deportation after serving two-thirds of his sentence. “The appropriate authorities will decide if you can remain in the UK,” said the judge, “but that’s not for this court to decide.”
