A 31-year-old man has entered not guilty pleas to all charges stemming from a knife attack in north Belfast that triggered widespread violence across the city. According to BBC News, Hadi Alodid appeared at Belfast Crown Court on charges including attempted murder, possessing a bladed weapon, and threatening or abusive behaviour. The incident on 8 June 2026 left the victim with severe eye injuries and prompted serious disorder involving arson and confrontations across Belfast.
Alodid, of Duncairn Avenue in Belfast, has remained in custody since his arrest at the scene. He appeared in the dock wearing a grey prison tracksuit and handcuffs, with an Arabic interpreter present as proceedings were translated for him. When the three charges were read to him, he responded in English to each with a not guilty plea. A trial date has been set for early February, with review hearings scheduled beforehand.
The attack occurred in the vicinity of Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast. Stephen Ogilvie, the victim in his 40s, sustained catastrophic injuries to his eyes during the assault. Video footage circulating at the time showed multiple people, including one carrying a hurling stick, confronting the attacker before police arrived and made the arrest.
Following the incident, violence erupted across Belfast, with homes and vehicles set alight as disorder spread through the city. Police cited multiple grounds for opposing bail, including risks of reoffending, danger to the public, potential flight, and the likelihood of further disorder. The judge refused bail, determining that the risks could not be adequately managed through conditions.
What happens at trial?
On 23 September 2026, Irish News reported that a judge ordered Alodid to stand trial after finding there was a prima facie case to answer. The prosecution's case was not contested at the committal hearing, and no bail application was made. Two barristers are expected to represent Alodid at trial. Alodid is due to return to Belfast Crown Court for an arraignment hearing, though no date has yet been fixed for that hearing or the trial itself.
Background to the investigation
In July 2026, BBC News reported that Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police were investigating whether Alodid might be from Chad rather than Sudan, and were making inquiries with authorities in Chad. This development emerged as investigators sought to clarify details about the accused's background and origins.
