Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has been found guilty of murder after driving into pedestrians in London’s West End on Christmas Day 2024 in what prosecutors described as a racist and homophobic attack. The rampage left one man dead and five others injured.
Gilheaney mounted the kerb repeatedly in a Mercedes on Shaftesbury Avenue shortly after leaving a nightclub in the early hours of Christmas morning. He struck Aidan Chapman, causing unsurvivable brain damage. Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC said Gilheaney was driving “like a maniac” and deliberately drove across the street intending to kill.
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Gilheaney was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was found not guilty of a third attempted murder charge. Gilheaney had pleaded guilty earlier to dangerous driving and possessing a knife.
The court heard Gilheaney was drunk and enraged after being beaten up earlier. He racially abused an Asian man before driving into him, then got out to kick and punch him. He also targeted a gay couple walking hand in hand. Gilheaney claimed he did not intend serious harm, but the jury rejected his defence.
After the attack, Gilheaney was captured following a police chase and told officers: “I hold my hands up, I don’t care. I am guilty, I’m sorry.” He later blamed his actions on the death of his brother from a cocaine overdose 18 months earlier.
