An east London man has appeared in court charged with murdering a top chef after "punching him multiple times in the head" near Notting Hill Carnival.
Omar Wilson, 31, appeared at the Old Bailey today (September 9) accused of attacking 41-year-old Mussie Imnetu, a chef who previously worked under celebrity personalities Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing.
The attack occurred outside Queensway's Dr Power restaurant on August 26, during Notting Hill Carnival.
Mr Imnetu was discovered unconscious with a head wound at around 11.22pm.
After receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, he was taken to hospital where he later died on August 30.
READ MORE: Notting Hill Carnival attack: Mussie Imnetu dies
The court heard that Wilson, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm, but following Mr Imnetu’s death, the charge was changed to murder.
Julian Winship, prosecuting, told the court that Wilson "headbutted" Mr Imnetu after an interaction "in the area" of the carnival.
Wilson then allegedly "punched the deceased five times to his head" and continued "punching him in the head" after he had fallen to the ground, the court heard.
Wilson spoke only to confirm his name and birth date during the brief hearing.
He will remain in custody until his plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on November 25.
A preliminary trial date is scheduled for February 3 next year and is expected to last two weeks.
READ MORE: Notting Hill Carnival: Five people stabbed on final day
Mr Imnetu, who lived and worked in Dubai, was in the UK on business, the Met Police said.
The 41-year-old left The Arts Club, a private members' club in Mayfair, alone shortly after 1pm on August 26, wearing in a blue T-shirt and black jeans.
He is reported to have later purchased a white baseball cap before arriving alone at the Dr Power restaurant, which was busy with carnival goers, at around 10.30pm.
The Arts Club Dubai website lists Mr Imnetu as having worked under celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and Alain Ducasse.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel