Notting Hill Carnival attacker guilty of murder

A man who punched and kicked a chef near Notting Hill Carnival before leaving him dying in the street to go clubbing has been convicted of murder.

Omar Wilson, 31, of Leytonstone, attacked Mussie Imnetu, 41, after a row broke out outside a restaurant in Queensway on the night of 26 August 2024.

The jury at the Old Bailey heard how both men had been in the area to attend the carnival and crossed paths later in the evening.

CCTV footage of the attack was played in court and showed the moment Wilson approached Mussie and headbutted him.

Wilson then continued his attack, hitting Mussie a further five times until he fell to the floor, where Wilson continued to punch and kick his defenceless victim, who had not struck him once.

The court heard how Mussie had collapsed and was motionless, dying from a bleed on his brain caused by the blows Wilson had inflicted. As police officers who were nearby rushed to his aid, Wilson left the scene to go clubbing.

Over the course of the two-week trial, prosecutors set about presenting evidence proving Wilson was the person who attacked the victim and dismantling his claim of self-defence.

Samantha Yelland, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Our thoughts remain with Mussie Imnetu’s devastated family and friends who loved him dearly, as well as those who had to witness the shocking attack that evening.  

"Omar Wilson’s savage violence ultimately took the life of a much-loved man, and the Crown Prosecution Service was determined that he should face justice.

"The evidence in this case was overwhelming, with high-quality CCTV footage showing Wilson attacking the victim. While Wilson tried to claim his actions were in self-defence, the evidence clearly showed that he was the only person acting violently.

"I hope today’s verdict – which will see Wilson put behind bars for the murder – provides some comfort to those who now have to live a life without Mussie."