Christmas Day Nightmare on Shaftesbury Avenue
A drunk driver launched a terrifying, hate-fuelled rampage in London’s West End last Christmas, ploughing into pedestrians with a venomous mix of racist and homophobic abuse, a court heard.
Anthony Gilheaney, 30, lost control after leaving a nightclub in the early hours of December 25, Old Bailey was told. His terrifying attack left victims targeted with racial slurs before he deliberately ran them down. One victim, 25-year-old Aidan Chapman, later died from brain injuries on New Year’s Eve.
Booze-Fuelled Rage Sparks ‘Trail of Carnage’
Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC described the chaos: “It is tempting to view the defendant’s behaviour as inexplicable. In truth, however, it was born out of drink-fuelled rage.”
Gilheaney first hurled racist abuse and shoved Arif Khan into the road before knocking him down and attacking on foot. Next, he targeted Sikh man Hardeep Singh, who fought back with friends.
The violence didn’t end there. After Midnight Mass, Gilheaney deliberately hit one man holding hands with another, then aimed straight at the second man.
On Shaftesbury Avenue, he smashed into friends Adrian Chapman and Tyrone Itorho. Chapman bore the brunt and sadly died from his injuries.
Six Victims Total, Including Uber Driver
- Five pedestrians injured or killed during the violent spree
- Uber driver Hasan Mashood attacked when Gilheaney rammed his car twice
Witnesses said Gilheaney’s driving wasn’t accidental — he was using his car as a weapon. Police chased him until he leapt from the moving vehicle and fled on foot.
He was later found passed out in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, tearfully admitting guilt. He blamed his rage on his brother’s death from a cocaine overdose 18 months prior.
Driver Denies Murder But Admits Dangerous Driving
Gilheaney denies murder, wounding with intent, and multiple counts of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. However, he has admitted to dangerous driving. The trial is ongoing.
“To say that the defendant had been driving like a maniac is simply a gross understatement. Instead, he was using his car as a weapon.” – Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC
