The case
Ali Harbi Ali murdered MP Sir David Amess at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021. A jury also convicted him of preparing terrorist acts.
Evidence and court findings
The sentencing court found that he had researched and reconnoitred potential targets over a prolonged period. It treated the murder as committed for a terrorist purpose. Planning, taking a knife to the scene and attacking an elected representative carrying out public duties added to the seriousness.
The sentence
At the Old Bailey on 13 April 2022, the court imposed a whole-life order for murder. The preparation offence attracted a concurrent life sentence with a 30-year minimum. The whole-life order governs the overall result; the concurrent minimum does not create an ordinary release point.
Sources and case status
This dated report records the sentence imposed. It does not establish a present prison location or release date.
By Street Crime UK · Source record checked 21 October 2026.
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