Stephen Ogilvie has woken from his induced coma – but may lose sight in his right eye, his family have said, after the knife attack that left him blind in his left eye and sparked three nights of violent protests across Belfast.
The 44-year-old was stabbed in the face and eyes on Monday in an attack that also triggered a wave of disorder, with buses set on fire, homes targeted, and schools and businesses closed.
“Belfast stabbing victim Stephen Ogilvie may lose sight in his remaining eye after losing his left eye in the attack.”
His parents, speaking on a GoFundMe page, said: “We are relieved to share that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead.”
They added: “With the loss of sight in his left eye and the possibility of losing sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life.”
The fundraiser was set up to help Ogilvie adjust to life after the attack. The “Hero of Belfast”, Maitui Mag Tighearnan, who intervened with his son’s hurling bat to stop the assault, donated £10,000 to the victim.
Hadi Alodid, 30, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with a blade in a public place, and threats to kill.
Following the subsequent disorder, police made 35 arrests and charged 23 people. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised the work of officers, 42 of whom were injured during the unrest.
“Within 24 hours of the attempted murder of the man in Kinnaird Avenue, police officers had arrested and charged a man in relation to this horrendous attack,” Henderson said. “That day, we extensively appealed for calm and to allow justice to take its course. Sadly, what we saw following was inexcusable lawlessness and disorder across Belfast and beyond.”
He added: “During the peak of the disorder, people intent on chaos came out to burn homes and cars with people fleeing. Police officers were first to many of these scenes and helped people to safety, including a two-month-old…”