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Old Bailey Witness Says Driver Tried to Punch Baby During Alleged Christmas Day Rampage

Prosecutors describe deliberate, hate‑motivated violence in a drink‑fuelled use of a car as a weapon.

Overview

  • Jurors heard Ayyaz Mahmood testify that the shirtless driver swerved close to his family on Great Windmill Street and then tried to punch his three‑year‑old niece in a pram through the car window.
  • The case centers on a sequence that prosecutors say included reversing into Arif Khan on Archer Street, ramming an Uber, targeting a gay couple, and then striking Aidan Chapman, 25, who died on New Year’s Eve.
  • Prosecutors allege racist and homophobic targeting, citing a slur directed at Mr Khan and claims the driver twice drove at the couple who had attended Midnight Mass.
  • Evidence shown to the jury includes multiple CCTV and dash‑cam recordings, a police pursuit ending in the defendant’s capture, and forensic recovery of a Phillips screwdriver bearing a DNA profile linked to the accused.
  • Anthony Gilheaney, 30, has admitted dangerous driving and possession of a knife but denies murder, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm charges as the trial continues.