A motorist who embarked on a violent, alcohol-fuelled spree through London's West End on Christmas Day, killing one man and injuring others, has been found guilty of murder.
Unprovoked Festive Violence
Anthony Gilheaney, aged 31, was convicted at the Old Bailey for a series of shocking and unprovoked assaults on five individuals in the early hours of 25 December 2024. The court heard how Gilheaney used his high-powered Mercedes as a weapon during the rampage.
The most devastating attack claimed the life of 25-year-old Aidan Chapman, who was struck and killed by the vehicle. The series of violent incidents left the festive atmosphere in central London shattered by tragedy.
Details of the Christmas Day Attacks
The trial detailed how Gilheaney, under the influence of alcohol, targeted multiple victims in a sustained outburst of violence. The attacks were described as deliberate and ruthless, moving from one incident to the next in the heart of the capital.
Prosecutors outlined a harrowing sequence of events where the defendant used his car to mount pavements and strike pedestrians, alongside other violent confrontations. The Old Bailey jury returned a guilty verdict for murder after considering the evidence of his actions that night.
Justice Served and Community Impact
The conviction brings a measure of justice for the victims and their families following the traumatic events of last Christmas. The case highlights the catastrophic consequences of drink-driving and premeditated violence.
The sentencing will follow at a later date, where Gilheaney will learn his fate for the murder of Aidan Chapman and the attacks on the four other individuals. The Metropolitan Police have emphasised the seriousness with which such reckless and lethal behaviour is treated by the courts.
This verdict closes a chapter on a crime that horrified the public and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired drivers, particularly during times of public celebration.
