Witness recalls smirk’ of terror suspect accused of killing MP David Amess in knife horror

The ‘terrorist’ accused of stabbing Tory MP Sir David Amess to loss of life confirmed ‘no regret’ after the assault, a courtroom heard yesterday.

Ali Harbi Ali, 26, acted like he had ‘achieved one thing’ and had a glance of ‘self-satisfaction’ on his face, witnesses to the knifing at a constituency surgical procedure stated.

As Sir David lay on the ground with 21 stab wounds, Ali is alleged to have stated: ‘He deserved to die. I wished to kill David as a result of I wish to kill each MP, whoever voted for the bombing of Syria and the Iraqi conflict.’

Ali Harbi Ali, 26, acted like he had ‘achieved one thing’ and had a glance of ‘self-satisfaction’ on his face, witnesses to the knifing at a constituency surgical procedure stated

The jury on the Previous Bailey heard dramatic testimony from two of Sir David’s aides and a pair who have been arriving for a surgical procedure appointment.

The veteran MP’s Westminster assistant Rebecca Hayton advised police Ali appeared ‘relaxed’ after tricking his approach into Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on October 15 on the pretence he was shifting to the realm from north London. 

She stated Ali began grilling Sir David, 69, about his voting file on Iraq when his cell phone rang. 

In a police interview performed to the jury, Miss Hayton stated: ‘[Ali] simply stated “sorry”, I believed he was saying sorry for the cellphone disturbing him however then he simply reached in and received the knife. He simply leaned straight over the desk after which stabbed him within the abdomen after which David screamed very loudly.’

She alerted political aide Julie Cushion, who ran in to assist. Requested how Ali taken care of the assault, Miss Cushion advised the jury: ‘Self-satisfaction is how I might describe it.’

Constituents Yvonne Eaves and Darren King, who have been arriving for an appointment, ran inside and allegedly noticed Ali clutching a 12-inch knife, warning them to not come nearer.

Mr King advised police he spoke to Ali to ‘calm him down’ and, when he requested why he had attacked Sir David, was advised it was for ‘all of the harmless individuals’ killed in Syria and Iraq.

Miss Eaves stated: ‘[Ali] appeared – he knew what he’d achieved, like he’d achieved one thing, like he was “I’ve achieved it”. He wasn’t remorseful, he wasn’t “oh my God”.’ Ali denies homicide and making ready acts of terrorism. 

The trial continues.