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THE son of a Holloway man senselessly murdered five years ago has expressed his gratitude to those who helped him get his life back on track.

Daniel Smith, 29, from Archway, had “his heart ripped out” when his father Alan was killed in a frenzied knife attack in Leyton in March 2011 after innocently inquiring about a crying baby in a café. The killing, which occurred in front of Daniel’s mother Denise Facey had a devastating impact on the family.

However, after a period of mental health support, Daniel, who suffers from mild learning difficulties, was referred to Islington Council’s community access project, which he credits with getting back his confidence.

The project helps people with learning difficulties find employment. After completing a trial period, Daniel has been employed as an estate caretaker for a year.

Speaking to the Tribune this week, he said: “I want to thank everybody who got me to where I am today. Without their support I would have nothing and I would still be in a daydream about my dad.”

Former bus driver and council binman Alan, 63, lived in Eden Grove, Holloway, for almost 30 years before moving to Leyton with partner Denise in 2010. She was in court for much of the long trial, supported by the victim’s children.

Matthew Quesada, now 31, was found guilty of murder in 2012. The killer’s girlfriend, Maria Brigette, 31, was also found guilty of attempting to help him evade justice while his mother Victoria was acquitted of a similar charge.

“My dad was a great support to me,” Daniel said. “He loved fishing, he loved martial arts and he loved cooking. He always told me to keep my wits about me.

“The guy who did it got 26 years. There was justice for my dad. But after it happened, I didn’t know where I was. It just felt like my heart was ripped out. I’m still traumatised by it.”

Among those who supported Daniel over the years is mental health worker Henrik Lyngard, who put him in touch with Jimmy Flynn at the council. Daniel was later given a trial placement as a caretaker on the Marquess estate in Canonbury.

“When I got the work trial, I really got confidence from that,” the 29-year-old said. “But I was still finding it hard to engage because of what happened to my dad. But I couldn’t thank them enough. They appreciate the work I’m doing, and I think my dad would be proud up there.”

Daniel also thanked council staff Adam Rushbrook, Milesh Patel and Denis Heath. Of the community access project staff, Daniel expressed his gratitude to Andrew Johnson, who left the council in 2013, Paul Middleton and Eddie Hughes.

He also mentioned Sarah Nightingale, from charity Keyring, who helped him get a flat, and Del Angus, Michael Nolan and Jackie Findlater at the council as well as Jane Doolan, of Islington Unison trade union. “She’s been a blinder to us all and helped me, my mum and brother out through the bad times,” Daniel said.

Alan met his wife Denise, who works for the council’s housing department, while he was on the buses. They had another son, Alex, 25, who works with children with learning difficulties.

Quesada was a complete stranger to Mr Smith. They never met or spoke before the fatal attack on a Saturday when Alan inquired about the welfare of Quesada’s three-year-old daughter, who was sobbing in a café. Mr Smith was told to mind his own business.”

Later, in another café Quesada produced a knife from his sleeve and stabbed Mr Smith five times. The 63-year-old was taken to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel but died on the day of the attack.