Man admits murder after former Chesterfield pupil stabbed to death in Reading park

Khairi Saadallah killed friends David Wails, 49, James Furlong, 36, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, in Forbury Gardens, Reading, in June.

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Saadallah, 26, of Basingstoke Road, Reading, is due to be sentenced next month following a hearing which will consider whether the motivation for the attack was terrorism, as the prosecution claims.

Witnesses reportedly heard him shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is greatest) and ‘victory on infidels’ during the two-minute knife rampage on June 20.

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 brokenhearted 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.”

Police said three other people who were also hurt in the knife attack have now left hospital.

Appearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, Saadallah also admitted three counts of attempted murder.

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