By Duncan Gardham, security journalist
Ahmed Ali Alid, 45, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 44 years for fatally stabbing a stranger in a terror-related attack motivated by the conflict in Gaza. An asylum seeker claiming to be from Morocco, Alid was found guilty of murdering Terence Carney, 70, during a rampage in Hartlepool on October 15.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that Alid had previously attempted to kill his housemate, Javed Nouri, a Christian convert, before targeting Carney. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, stated that Alid’s actions were intended to intimidate the British government and frighten the public, linking his motivations to international events.
Alid’s arrest captured the attention of the police, who confronted him while he was looking for additional victims. Following his detention, he expressed that his actions were “for the people of Gaza,” indicating a desire to harm others if he had the means.
In court, the prosecution sought a whole life order, citing the murder’s political and ideological motivations, but the judge ultimately sentenced him to life without imposing a whole-life term. The court also heard about Alid’s extensive travels across Europe before seeking asylum in the UK.
Victim Mr. Nouri had previously alerted authorities about Alid’s disturbing behavior, raising concerns that ultimately led to this tragic outcome.