A man who was struck and killed by a speeding Mercedes in London's West End on Christmas Day "had not stood a chance", prosecutors have told the Old Bailey.
A Trail of Carnage on Christmas Morning
The court heard that Anthony Gilheaney, 30, left a "trail of carnage" in the early hours of 25 December last year, which resulted in five people being mowed down. The incident culminated on Shaftesbury Avenue, where Aidan Chapman, 25, and his friend Tyrone Ithoro were knocked over.
Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC told jurors that Gilheaney's Mercedes was "being driven at speed" and, for no apparent reason other than a desire to knock somebody down, careered onto the wrong side of the road. Video evidence showed the two friends looking to cross the road when it appeared clear.
Mr Ithoro was clipped at speed as he neared the pavement, but Mr Chapman was hit head-on. The force of the impact threw him into the air, and he landed on the other side of the junction with Rupert Street.
Fatal Injuries and Alleged Hate-Fuelled Attacks
Aidan Chapman was bleeding profusely from his head and ears and lapsing in and out of consciousness when emergency services arrived. He was rushed to hospital with a severe brain injury, skull fractures, facial fractures, and a broken right thigh.
"The neurosurgery team considered that there was no surgery that was capable of improving his condition," Mr Aylett said. His life support was turned off on New Year's Eve.
The trial was told that prior to the fatal collision, Gilheaney had been drinking at a nightclub on Shaftesbury Avenue. Prosecutors allege he then carried out a series of hate-fuelled attacks:
- Reversing into a man while using a racist slur.
- Reversing into an Uber driver's car twice.
- Driving at a couple twice in what is alleged to be a homophobic attack on Great Windmill Street.
It was immediately after this last incident that he allegedly drove onto Shaftesbury Avenue and struck Mr Chapman and Mr Ithoro.
Charges and Previous Convictions
Anthony 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, and one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has, however, already admitted to dangerous driving in connection with the events. Jurors were informed that he has six previous dangerous driving convictions, dating from March 2012 to March 2023.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues.
