Self proclaimed monster jailed over death of top chef

A self-proclaimed 'monster' who attacked a top chef near the Notting Hill Carnival will spend at least 18 years in jail for his murder.

31-year-old Omar Wilson repeatedly punched and kicked Mussie Imnetu last August.

Mr 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 claimed he'd acted in self-defence but the judge said he 'could have walked away' after Mr Imnetu fell to the ground.

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.

"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.

"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."

Mr Imnetu's wife, Linda, described her husband as "respected, admired and loved" in a pre-recorded victim impact statement played in court.

"Mussie didn't just leave behind a legacy for his family, he left an indelible mark on his workplace and community," she said.

"Nothing can undo what has been taken from us. I ask the court to remember the man Mussie was: his character, his integrity and the life he built; not just the circumstances of his passing."

A short audio recording of Mr Imnetu's six-year-old son wishing his "daddy" goodbye was also played, which the judge called "heart-rending".

"I love you," the little boy said. "Bye bye daddy."

A group of Mr Imnetu's loved ones sat in the well of the court for the hearing, and some cried after hearing his son's recording.

During the trial, the jury had been shown graphic CCTV footage showing Wilson approaching Mr Imnetu and headbutting him.

About a minute later, Wilson punched Mr Imnetu five times in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

Wilson continued to punch Mr Imnetu repeatedly while he was on his hands and knees, then kicked him in the head.

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