Killer jailed for terror attack which claimed life of former Chesterfield man

Khairi Saadallah stabbed to death David Wails, 49, James Furlong, 36, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, in Forbury Gardens, Reading, on June 20 last year.

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London's Old Bailey previously heard how 26-year-old Saadallah ‘executed’ the three friends as an ‘act of religious jihad’.

Passing sentence on Monday, Judge Mr Justice Sweeney said it was a ‘ruthless and brutal’ terror attack.

Following his death, tributes flooded in for Mr Wails – who attended St Mary’s Catholic High School in Chesterfield.

His family described him as a ‘kind and much-loved son, brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life’.

They said: “We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way.

“We will treasure our wonderful memories of him and he will always be with us in our hearts.”

St Mary’s Catholic High School also paid tribute to him, with a spokesperson saying: “David joined St Mary’s in 1986, having moved from the north east with his family.

“He completed his A levels and left school in 1988 when he went on to pursue a career in science.

“David completed his PhD at the University of York and was working as a senior scientist at the global chemicals company Johnson Matthey.”

A statement from Johnson Matthey said: “Dave was proud to use his expertise to make a positive impact on the world.

“He was a well-liked colleague who will be much missed.

“He was a gentle, thoughtful man with a dry sense of humour.

“He is recognised by his friends at Johnson Matthey for being an excellent coach, supporting colleagues both professionally and personally.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Dave’s family and friends during this difficult time.

“He will be deeply missed by everyone here.”

The judge said the victims ‘had no chance to react, let alone defend themselves’.

He said he was sure the attack ‘involved a substantial degree of premeditation or planning’ and was carried out ‘for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, or ideological cause’.

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