North Belfast Stabbing Case Fast-Tracked to Crown Court Trial

A man accused of a serious knife attack in North Belfast will have his case fast-tracked to a Crown Court trial, a judge has confirmed.

Hadi Alodid, 31, of Duncairn Gardens, is charged with attempted murder following an incident on Kinnaird Avenue on June 8 this year. The attack left victim Stephen Ogilvie partially blinded, with police confirming he lost one eye and sustained severe damage to the other.

During the June incident, members of the local community intervened in an effort to halt the attack, with video footage showing a bystander using a hurling stick to strike the assailant before police arrived at the scene. The incident subsequently led to serious disorder across parts of Belfast, where vehicles were burnt and several families were forced from their homes.

Alongside the attempted murder charge, Alodid faces charges of possessing a bladed article in a public place and making threats to kill a female NHS radiographer. He remains in custody without legal representation as legal proceedings continue.

At Belfast Magistrates’ Court, prosecutors provided an update in Alodid's absence, noting previous difficulties in transferring him from prison for remote appearances. District Judge Anne Marshall confirmed that a preliminary enquiry committal hearing will take place on September 23 to officially return the case for Crown Court trial.