Stephen Ogilvie, Belfast victim emerging from induced coma/Image: X
The family of a Belfast man whose stabbing sparked three nights of violent unrest across the city have revealed he may lose the sight in both eyes as he continues to recover in hospital.Stephen Ogilvie, 44, was brought out of an induced coma after sustaining serious injuries in the attack, leaving him with the loss of sight in one eye and possible loss of sight in the other. His parents shared the update on a GoFundMe fundraising page as reported by The Metro, thanking members of the public for their donations. The family said: “We are pleased to announce that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and is continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead.”They added that the funds raised will help provide equipment, support and basic materials so that he can adapt to life after the attack.“With the loss of sight in his left eye and possible loss of sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life,” the statement read.Ogilvie suffered what his family described as serious injuries after he was stabbed in the face and eyes on Monday.
Police allege he was attacked by 30-year-old Hadi Al-Did, who has since been detained.Al-Dadeed appeared before the court on charges of attempted murder, possession of an instrument with a blade in a public place, and threatening to kill.The stabbing incident sparked widespread unrest across Belfast, with violence continuing for three consecutive nights. During the unrest, buses were set on fire, homes were targeted, and some schools and businesses were forced to close.One of those credited with intervening during the attack, Maetui Mag Tjernan, who reportedly used his son’s hurling paddle to stop the assault, donated £10,000 to support Ogilvy’s recovery.