A Mercedes driver accused of leaving a 'trail of carnage' across London's West End on Christmas Day attempted to punch a baby in a pram during a series of drink-fuelled attacks that culminated in a man's death, a court has heard.
A Night of Festive Horror
Anthony Gilheaney, 30, is on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of mowing down five pedestrians in central London in the early hours of December 25, 2024. The attacks killed 25-year-old Aidan Chapman and left four others with serious injuries.
One witness, Ayyat Mahmood, told the court he was out with family, including his sister-in-law and her three-year-old daughter, to see the festive lights. He described seeing Gilheaney shirtless in the middle of Great Windmill Street, 'challenging and shouting'. The prosecution stated Gilheaney was already 'beside himself with rage', having reversed into and assaulted a man, Arif Khan, on nearby Archer Street.
'He Tried to Punch Her Head'
Mr Mahmood recounted the terrifying moment Gilheaney's car drove 'fastly and randomly' up the street, causing pedestrians to scramble. The car allegedly struck Miguel Waihrich's partner, Marcelo Basbus-Garcia, who was 'hit so fast that he flew'.
The car then reversed towards Mr Mahmood's family. 'He was trying to hit us,' Mr Mahmood testified. 'It was so close... a few centimetres maybe, he would have hit me also.' With the driver's window down, Mr Mahmood said he shouted at Gilheaney, pointing to the baby in the pram.
'This time I said: "Are you crazy? There's a baby",' the witness stated. 'He came out of the window and tried to punch her head. He was so aggressive, didn't care about if she was a little baby.' The family fled with the pram to safety.
Fatal Consequences and Charges
Following this incident, Gilheaney is alleged to have driven to Shaftesbury Avenue, where he struck Aidan Chapman and his friend Tyrone Itorho as they crossed the road. Mr Chapman suffered catastrophic brain damage and died in hospital on New Year's Eve.
The prosecution alleges some victims, including Mr Khan, Mr Basbus-Garcia, and Mr Waihrich, were targeted for racist and homophobic reasons.
Gilheaney denies:
- One count of murder
- One count of wounding with intent
- Three counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- One count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm
Jurors were told he has already admitted to dangerous driving. The trial continues.
