LONDON: A charity worker has been sentenced to life for killing a former Gordon Ramsay chef near Notting Hill Carnival.
Deadly Attack
Omar Wilson, 31, brutally assaulted Mussie Imnetu outside Dr Power restaurant in west London on August 26, 2023.
Wilson repeatedly punched and kicked the 41-year-old chef while he was on the ground, causing fatal head injuries.
Mr. Imnetu, who worked under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, died in the hospital four days after the attack.
The incident occurred near Notting Hill Carnival, where Mr. Imnetu had been drinking heavily, the court heard.
Wilson claimed self-defense, but CCTV showed him attacking the victim without provocation before heading to a nightclub.
Court Verdict
A jury found Wilson guilty of murder after reviewing shocking CCTV footage of the brutal assault.
Judge Philip Katz sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum of 18 years for the unprovoked killing.
The judge condemned the attack, stating that Wilson could have walked away but instead chose deadly violence.
He described the act of kicking a defenseless man on the ground as “abhorrent” and inexcusable.
Wilson admitted in a message after the attack, “There’s a monster in me,” acknowledging his violent nature.
Emotional Statements
Mr. Imnetu’s wife, Linda, described him as a respected chef, devoted husband, and father.
She said his loss left a deep impact on his family, workplace, and community.
A recording of Mr. Imnetu’s six-year-old son saying, “I love you, bye bye daddy,” was played in court.
Judge Katz called the child’s farewell message “heartbreaking,” causing many in the courtroom to weep.
The victim’s loved ones sat through the sentencing, visibly emotional after hearing the powerful statements.
CCTV Evidence
During the trial, the jury saw footage of Wilson headbutting Mr. Imnetu before launching a violent attack.
Seconds later, Wilson punched the chef five times, knocking him to the ground.
As Mr. Imnetu tried to get up, Wilson continued punching and then kicked him in the head.
The defendant then walked away and went clubbing at the Ministry of Sound nightclub.
Later, he sent messages admitting he “crossed the line” and expected to be charged with manslaughter.
Murder Conviction
Wilson told police he was defending himself, claiming Mr. Imnetu had a broken bottle.
Judge Katz dismissed the claim as a “deliberate lie” meant to justify the attack.
The court heard that Wilson had anger issues and struggled to control his temper.
Despite his claims of self-defense, the jury found overwhelming evidence proving his intent to kill.
With his sentencing, Wilson will spend at least 18 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.
This case highlights the devastating impact of senseless street violence and its lasting consequences.
