Driver convicted of murdering man with car on Christmas Day

A drunk and disqualified driver has been convicted of murder after using his car to mow down pedestrians in London's West End on Christmas Day 2024.

Anthony Gilheaney, 31, was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Samantha Yelland, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Anthony Gilheaney deliberately used his vehicle to carry out a terrifying and violent attack, causing serious harm and leaving a trail of destruction.

"Aidan Chapman's family lost a beloved son and friend. Others were left with serious physical and psychological injuries. Our thoughts remain with them all.

"Despite the defendant’s denials, the prosecution was able to build a strong case and present evidence, including CCTV footage and witness testimony, which demonstrated to a jury that Gilheaney intended to kill that night.

“The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work closely with the police to ensure that offenders like Gilheaney, who bring senseless violence to our city, 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 on 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.

It was part of the prosecution’s case that he specifically targeted some victims based on their race and sexuality.