A Libyan migrant who once threatened to torch a taxpayer-funded hotel has been locked up for 24 years after a savage knife attack outside a west London café.
Frenzied Knife Attack in Shepherd’s Bush
Abdalla Barka, 45, launched a brutal stabbing spree against Hamza Al-Badri outside a Shepherd’s Bush café. Accusing his victim of theft, Barka chased him down the street with a stolen café knife, slashing him multiple times. The vicious assault left Mr Al-Badri seriously wounded in the left leg, struggling to walk properly.
Judge Alexander Milne described the attack as “violent and sustained.” A heroic passerby intervened just in time to stop Barka from causing even worse harm.
Not New to Trouble
This isn’t Barka’s first brush with the law. In 2023, he was jailed for 15 months after threatening to set himself and a Swansea hotel on fire with petrol and matches. The threats came after staff asked him to leave Leonardo’s Guest House. The hotel’s owner was left terrified and in tears.
Heavy Sentence and Possible Deportation
Barka denied the charges, but a jury found him guilty of attempted murder and carrying a knife in public. He was sentenced to 24 years behind bars, with two-thirds to be served.
“We accept you were effectively homeless at the time, but this violent attack cannot be excused,” said Judge Milne. “You may face deportation after release, but that decision lies with other authorities.”
The judge flagged Barka’s chaotic lifestyle and homelessness but condemned the attack’s brutality and the victim’s ongoing suffering.
Barka, originally from Libya, lived in Sweden before moving to the UK eight years ago. He is held at Hunt Close, Shepherd’s Bush, as officials decide his future in Britain.
Public Outrage
- Many demand Barka’s immediate deportation, questioning the taxpayer cost.
- Comments express shock at the knife attack and Barka’s violent history.
