A man was killed in a horrific hit-and-run incident that left a "trail of carnage" across London's West End on Christmas Day last year, the Old Bailey has heard.
A Fatal Collision on Shaftesbury Avenue
The trial of 30-year-old Anthony Gilheaney opened on Tuesday, with jurors told that Aidan Chapman, 25, "simply had not stood a chance". Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC said a Mercedes, "being driven at speed", careered onto the wrong side of Shaftesbury Avenue and struck Mr Chapman and his friend, Tyrone Ithoro, head-on.
Video evidence showed the pair looking to cross the apparently clear road. Mr Ithoro was clipped at speed and knocked over as he neared the pavement. Mr Chapman, however, was thrown into the air by the impact, landing on the other side of the junction with Rupert Street.
A Life Support Machine Turned Off
Aidan Chapman was bleeding profusely from his head and ears and slipping in and out of consciousness at the scene, the court was told. He was rushed to hospital with a severe brain injury, skull and facial fractures, and a broken right thigh.
Mr Aylett told the jury that neurosurgical teams concluded no operation could improve his condition. On New Year's Eve, the life support machines keeping him alive were turned off.
Alleged Racist and Homophobic Attacks Preceded Fatal Crash
Prosecutors outlined a series of violent events leading to the fatal collision. They stated that Gilheaney, who had been drinking at a nightclub, first reversed his car into a man while allegedly using a racist slur.
He is then accused of reversing into an Uber driver's car twice before targeting two men walking from Midnight Mass on Great Windmill Street. Prosecutors allege he drove at the couple twice in a homophobic attack before speeding off onto Shaftesbury Avenue, where he struck Mr Chapman and Mr Ithoro.
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 admitted a charge of dangerous driving. The court heard he has six previous convictions for dangerous driving, dating from March 2012 to March 2023. The trial continues.
