Christmas Day Rampage: Driver Receives Life Sentence for Murder | ITV News
A driver was sentenced to life imprisonment for a deadly Christmas Day rampage in London, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries. Anthony Gilheaney, 32, was handed a minimum term of 37 years after his attack in the West End on December 25, 2024, where he used his car to target several individuals.
Fatal Incident Overview
Gilheaney, a resident of Harlow, Essex, murdered 25-year-old Aidan Chapman during the attack. He also injured Arif Khan, Marcelo Basbus-Garcia, Miguel Waihrich, and Tyrone Itorho. The prosecution described the strikes as violent and unprovoked, driven by racist and homophobic motivations.
Details of the Rampage
- Aidan Chapman was struck by Gilheaney’s high-powered Mercedes, resulting in catastrophic brain damage.
- Chapman was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on New Year’s Eve.
- Gilheaney targeted Khan after a confrontation, attacking him while also deliberately driving at others.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that after leaving a nightclub, Gilheaney had several altercations. He began by attacking strangers and escalated to driving his car into pedestrian groups.
Trial and Convictions
Jurors found Gilheaney guilty of multiple charges, including the murder of Chapman and attempted murder of Basbus-Garcia and Itorho. He was also convicted of grievous bodily harm against Khan. Although cleared of attempting to murder Waihrich, he faced charges related to causing him serious injury.
Victim Impact Statements
Victim testimonies underscored the traumatic impact of Gilheaney’s actions:
- Darren Chapman, Aidan’s father, described Gilheaney as a “monster” who showed no remorse.
- Dr. Basbus-Garcia expressed fear during the attack and detailed his ongoing struggles with mobility.
Gilheaney’s Background
Gilheaney’s history includes dangerous driving and operating vehicles without a license. He acknowledged consuming alcohol and claimed his vape had been spiked with cannabis prior to the incident. Despite initially appearing remorseful, he later retracted memory of the events.
Sentencing Details
The court noted that Gilheaney’s minimum term reflects the severity of his crimes, including dangerous driving and disqualification from driving for life. His actions on that Christmas Day will have lasting consequences, both for the victims and for himself.
This case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the severe repercussions of violence fueled by hate. Filmogaz.com will continue to cover developments surrounding public safety and justice issues.
