Driver Jailed for Life After Christmas Day Murder Rampage in West End
LONDON, 30 January 2026 – Anthony Gilheaney has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a man and injuring several others during a drink-fuelled driving rampage in London’s West End on Christmas Day 2024.
Details of the Attack
Gilheaney, 32, of Longfield, deliberately drove his Mercedes into a group of people on Shaftesbury Avenue in the early hours of 25 December 2024. The court heard he launched a series of unprovoked and violent attacks against five people. Aiden Chapman, 25, was killed in the incident. The other victims, including a gay couple who were specifically targeted, sustained injuries.
Court Sentencing and Charges
At the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), Gilheaney was found guilty of murder and attempted murder following a trial in December 2025. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years before being considered for parole. The court agreed with the prosecution’s case that his actions were deliberate.
Key Facts of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Anthony Gilheaney, 32 |
| Date of Crime | 25 December 2024 |
| Location | Shaftesbury Avenue, West End, London |
| Victim (Deceased) | Aiden Chapman, 25 |
| Charges | Murder, Attempted Murder |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment (minimum 37 years) |
| Court | Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) |
| Additional Context | Attack was drink-fuelled; Gilheaney was a disqualified driver at the time. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Anthony Gilheaney sentenced for?
Anthony Gilheaney was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Aiden Chapman and the attempted murder of four other people during a driving attack on Christmas Day 2024.
What was the minimum prison term?
He received a minimum term of 37 years, meaning he will not be eligible for parole before serving that period.
When did the crime occur?
The fatal rampage took place in the early hours of Christmas Day, 25 December 2024, on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End.
Was the attack targeted?
Yes, the court heard evidence that Gilheaney deliberately drove into a gay couple, among other victims, during the series of attacks.