A man who beat a top chef near Notting Hill Carnival and left him dying in the street has been jailed for at least 18 years.
Omar Wilson, who described himself as a "monster", repeatedly punched and kicked Mussie Imnetu during an altercation in Queensway, west London, on August 26 last year.
Imnetu, 41, who had worked under chefs Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, was said to have been “heavily intoxicated” at the time of the incident and died in hospital four days later.
Wilson of Napier Road, Leytonstone, was found guilty of the murder at the Old Bailey and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 18 years.
Omar Wilson has been jailed for 18 years
Met Police
Officers were on the scene in seconds and provided emergency first aid until paramedics arrived.
Mussie was taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died on August 30, 2024.
Wilson claimed that he attacked Mussie in self-defence, however he was found guilty of murder by a jury majority.
Sentencing the defendant for life with a minimum term of 18 years, Judge Philip Katz said: “Mussie and those who loved him are the victims in this case and the impact on them of his murder has been severe.
“His brutal death on the street was captured on CCTV. The footage was deeply shocking to watch.
Swedish national Mussie Imnetu died from his injuries
Metropolitan Police“Mussie was defenceless on the ground when you punched and kicked him to death.
“It needs to be clearly understood that unlawful street violence of this sort impacts on the confidence of members of the public to go out and enjoy themselves. The culpability of those involved in such brazen conduct is significantly raised.”
He continued: “You could not control your temper. Only a few seconds after punches were aimed by both of you you tripped Mussie and he fell to the ground and you could have walked away.
“As he knelt you rained further punches down on his head. You could have walked away.
Swedish national Mussie Imnetu was a top chef
Instagram“However, you stood up, raised your leg and kicked him hard to the head. Kicking someone to the head when they are defenceless on the ground is abhorrent.”
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Mussie’s family and friends in Dubai, Sweden and London, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his life during the trial after Wilson refused to take responsibility for his actions.
"Mussie was a loving husband, father, son and a respected chef.
"He was in London for a few days to help train his colleagues and went out that evening to enjoy the post Notting Hill Carnival atmosphere, where tragically he was violently assaulted."
