UPDATE: A driver has been convicted of murder following a shocking Christmas Day car rampage that left one man dead and several others injured in London’s West End. Anthony Gilheaney, aged 31, was found guilty at the Old Bailey for his violent actions that occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2024.
The court heard that Gilheaney used his high-powered Mercedes to deliberately strike Aidan Chapman, 25, leading to Chapman’s tragic death on New Year’s Eve. In a series of unprovoked attacks, he also targeted four other individuals, including Arif Khan, whom he assaulted with racial slurs, and a couple, Marcelo Basbus-Garcia and Miguel Waihrich, who were walking hand-in-hand after attending midnight mass.
The prosecution presented evidence that Gilheaney’s rampage was fueled by a combination of alcohol and aggression. Witnesses reported him shouting abuse and physically attacking bystanders. After the incident, Gilheaney attempted to flee from police, abandoning his car after it crashed into a signpost.
In a tearful statement to authorities, he expressed remorse, saying, “I hold my hands up, I don’t care… I am sorry for everything I have ever done.” However, during his trial, he claimed to have little memory of the events, attributing his behavior to being drugged with cannabis-infused vape juice at a nightclub earlier that night.
The jury delivered a guilty verdict on charges of murder and attempted murder for his actions against Chapman and others. He admitted to lesser charges, including manslaughter, but consistently denied any intent to kill. Gilheaney’s prior driving history is alarming, with multiple dangerous driving offenses and no valid license. He had previously used false number plates to evade law enforcement.
Gilheaney is set to be sentenced on January 30, 2025. This case has raised urgent discussions about the consequences of reckless driving and the impact of substance abuse, highlighting the tragic loss of life and the lasting effects on victims and their families.
Authorities have called for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability among drivers. The community mourns the loss of Chapman while grappling with the aftermath of this brutal attack. Expect more updates as the sentencing date approaches.
