A man caused chaos by driving recklessly and striking pedestrians in London’s West End on Christmas Day in a series of alcohol-fueled incidents, as described in court proceedings.
The accused, Anthony Gilheaney, aged 30, left a nightclub in the early hours of Christmas Day 2024 and exhibited extreme anger, leading to unprovoked violent assaults in the vicinity of Shaftesbury Avenue, according to testimonies in the Old Bailey trial.
Gilheaney struck five pedestrians with his vehicle, some of whom were targeted based on racist and homophobic motives, jurors were informed. One victim, Aidan Chapman, aged 25, sustained fatal brain injuries and passed away in the hospital on New Year’s Eve.
During the trial, Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC highlighted that Gilheaney’s actions resulted in widespread devastation. The prosecutor explained that the defendant’s behavior, though seemingly inexplicable, stemmed from a drunken rage that culminated in a racist attack on Arif Khan in Archer Street. Subsequently, he allegedly engaged in a homophobic attack on two men in Great Windmill Street before intentionally driving at pedestrians in the same area.
As the events unfolded, Gilheaney, reportedly intoxicated, engaged in altercations with strangers, including physically assaulting individuals without provocation. The situation escalated when he targeted Arif Khan, hurling derogatory slurs before physically assaulting him, the court heard.
Following these events, a confrontation ensued involving Gilheaney, Hardeep Singh, and their respective associates, resulting in a physical altercation where Gilheaney was reportedly assaulted in retaliation for his actions.
The chaotic incident was captured on the dash-cam of an Uber driver, Hasan Mashood, who witnessed Gilheaney’s erratic behavior, including an unprovoked assault on his vehicle.
In a series of reckless actions, Gilheaney continued to drive erratically, causing pedestrians to flee in fear. His aggressive driving targeted innocent bystanders, including Marcelo Basbus-Garcia and Miguel Waihrich, who were walking along the street, leading to further chaos and injury.
The trial revealed that Gilheaney’s reckless driving resulted in multiple injuries, with six individuals, including the victims and the Uber driver, requiring hospitalization. Following a police pursuit, Gilheaney abandoned his moving vehicle and was later apprehended in a distressed state in central London.
Despite expressing remorse to law enforcement officers at the scene, Gilheaney later claimed amnesia regarding the events and denied his involvement in the incident.
Prosecutor Aylett emphasized the severity of Gilheaney’s actions, portraying them as deliberate and premeditated acts of violence. Gilheaney faces multiple charges, including murder, wounding with intent, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, with an admission of dangerous driving.
The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected.