Sir David Amess suspect Ali Harbi Ali appears in court charged with stabbing MP to death in ‘terror-inspired’ murder

THE man suspected of stabbing Sir David Amess to death in a "terror-inspired" murder has appeared in court today.

Ali Harbi Ali,  25, has appeared at the Old Bailey in London charged with murdering the MP at a church surgery on Friday last week.

Ali appeared in the Central Criminal Court for the first time on Friday by video-link from high-security Belmarsh prison.

He is accused of stabbing to death the Conservative MP for Southend West during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex.

The charges against him allege he murdered Sir David, 69, last Friday and prepared acts of terrorism between May 1 2019 and September this year.

The defendant, wearing a grey sweatshirt, lifted up his face mask to confirm his name and date of birth, during the hearing.

It comes after he was remanded in custody during a 13-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The CPS had earlier announced the charges, saying that the attack had both "religious and ideological motivations".

Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “The CPS has authorised charges against Ali Harbi Ali for the murder of MP Sir David Amess on Friday 15 October 2021.

"We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations.

“He has also been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts. This follows a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation."

Ali was detained under terrorism legislation. 

Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes added: "I want to send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir David Amess, who died so tragically last Friday.

"Sir David’s dedication to his family, his constituents and his community, and his positive impact on the lives of so many has shone through.

"The charge is a significant milestone in the case, but the work from my colleagues in the Met's Counter Terrorism Command will continue apace.

"There has been considerable speculation in the media about the background, history and motivation of the man now charged.

"I understand the huge level of public interest in this case, but now a charge has been brought, it is vitally important that everyone exercises restraint when commenting on it publicly, to ensure future court proceedings are not prejudiced in any way."

FAMILY TRIBUTE

Sir David's wife Julia and five children paid tribute to the "courageous" husband in a touching statement.

They told how they are "enormously proud" of their husband and father, saying: "Our hearts are shattered."

The statement read: “Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace."

“So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all.

"This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.

“Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.

“Please let some good come from this tragedy. We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.”