Man charged with Reading stabbing attack admits murder

Khairi Saadallah carried out attack in Forbury Gardens in June

A man charged in connection with a stabbing attack in Reading has admitted murdering three men in Forbury Gardens.

Khairi Saadallah, 26, who prosecutors say was a terrorist, had been due to go on trial at the Old Bailey on November 30.

But at a hearing today (Wednesday), he pleaded guilty to three murders and three attempted murders.

Saadallah denied planning the attack, adding that he was not motivated by an ideological cause.

Saadallah stabbed three men and wounded three other other people in two-minutes in Forbury Gardens, Reading, shortly before 7pm on Saturday, June 20.

James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, died, while three others – their friend Stephen Young, and Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan, who were sitting in a nearby group – were injured.

History teacher Mr Furlong and Mr Ritchie-Bennett, a US citizen, were each stabbed once in the neck while scientist Mr Wails was stabbed once in the back. All three were declared dead at the scene.

Saadallah, of Basingstoke Road, Reading, was charged under the Terrorism Act and entered his guilty pleas in the dock of court two of the Old Bailey today.

Members of the victims’ families sat in court for the hearing before Mr Justice Sweeney.

The judge told the court the defendant had submitted a basis of plea, denying substantial preparation or planning and saying he was not motivated by an ideological cause, in contrast with the prosecution case which is that it was a terror attack.

In contrast, the prosecution assert that it was a planned terror attack.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan QC said the case merited a “whole life” sentencing.

The judge adjourned sentencing until the week of December 7.

The court heard several issues needed to be argued.

They included whether there was a substantial degree of pre-meditation and planning, whether it was for a religious, political or ideological cause and to what degree Saadallah’s mental state influenced his actions.

The victims’ loved ones sat in silence as they heard the guilty pleas.

Mr Ritchie-Bennett’s family in the US had attended court by video link.