Disqualified driver who murdered man with car on Christmas Day sentenced

A drunk and disqualified driver who murdered a man and used his car as a weapon to injure others in a terrifying attack in London's West End on Christmas Day 2024 has been sentenced.

Anthony Gilheaney, 32, was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Today, at Central Criminal Court he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years. 

The court agreed with prosecution’s case that Gilheaney targeted some victims because of their race and sexuality.

Samantha Yelland, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Anthony Gilheaney carried out a cowardly and horrifying attack. He was a disqualified driver who got behind the wheel drunk and used his car as a weapon to deliberately mow down innocent people who were out enjoying the festivities on Christmas Day.

“His actions ended a young man's life and left others with devastating injuries and trauma. Our thoughts remain with Aidan Chapman's family and all those who were affected. 

“Throughout the trial the defendant attempted to deny any intent, but after careful consideration of the evidence presented by the prosecution, the jury recognised that he set out that night to cause serious harm and destruction. 

"Today's sentence reflects the full gravity of his offending. The court has recognised that he targeted some of his victims because of their race and sexuality, and this has been reflected in the sentence he has received.
 

"Hate crimes cause harm that extend far beyond the immediate victims. They send a message of fear to entire communities. I hope his sentence sends a clear message that such hatred will not be tolerated in this city. 
 

“The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that offenders like Gilheaney are prosecuted and face the full force of the law.”

On 19 December 2025, following a trial, Gilheaney, of Harlow, Essex, was found guilty of murder, two counts of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The Old Bailey heard how Gilheaney left a nightclub in the early hours of 25 December 2024 and proceeded to launch a series of unprovoked attacks and drive at members of the public, hitting five people.

Gilheaney returned to his car on Archer Street where he shouted racist abuse at a stranger, reversed into him and knocked him to the ground before getting out to continue the attack by beating him.

He got back into his car and proceeded to drive erratically along Great Windmill Street, mounting the kerb and causing pedestrians to panic and flee. He deliberately targeted two men holding hands, knocking one of them to the ground. As the other man bent down to help his partner, the defendant deliberately drove at and hit him as well.

On Shaftesbury Avenue, he drove at two more men, clipping one and running over the other - Aidan Chapman. Mr Chapman, 25, suffered fatal brain damage and died in hospital on New Year's Eve.

Building the case
The prosecution worked closely with police to build a comprehensive case to show Gilheaney's motives and intent.
Gilheaney denied all charges requiring proof of intent, including murder and attempted murder. During the trial he pleaded guilty to lesser offences including manslaughter, but prosecutors rejected these pleas and successfully proved the more serious charges to the jury.

Prosecutors used CCTV footage, witness testimony, and forensic vehicle analysis to demonstrate to the court that Gilheaney repeatedly used his car as a weapon, mounting kerbs and reversing into victims multiple times.

Prosecutors successfully made the case that he specifically targeted some victims based on their race and sexuality, which was reflected in the sentence handed down today.