Man guilty of stabbing mum to death in front of her child at Notting Hill Carnival

A man has been found guilty of murdering a mum in front of her three-year-old daughter in an act of ‘pure anger’ at Notting Hill Carnival’s family day.

Cher Maximen, 32, was caught in the middle of a ‘horrifying outbreak of violence’ as she sat chatting to friends on August 25 last year.

She was knocked to the ground during a fight between Shakeil Thibou, 20, alongside his two brothers and several police officers.

After getting back to her feet, she appeared to lift her right leg at Thibou, who raised a ‘huge’ knife directly towards her and deliberately stabbed her in her groin, inflicting a 12cm wound.

Showing jurors at the Old Bailey police bodycam footage of the attack, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said: ‘You will see pure anger in the face of Shakeil Thibou. This was right in front of her three-year-old daughter.

‘The injuries inflicted on Ms Maximen were fatal – the defendant had killed her. It was a truly shocking attack, and regarded as such by those around it.’

Cher died nearly a week later on August 31.

Thibou was also convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to 20-year-old Adjei Isaac with intent, and having an offensive weapon.

There were cries of relief from Cher’s family in the gallery when the verdict was delivered.

His brother Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting PC Oliver Mort, who tried to intervene.

A third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted of assaulting PC Mort after the jury deliberated for 50 hours and 33 minutes.

The siblings, of Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges against them although Sheldon Thibou admitted having the stun gun.

In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence against Mr Isaac.

He claimed Cher’s death had been an accident.

However, the prosecution’s case was that the knife was brought to the scene by the defendant and that another blade was found during a search of his room.

The judge just set sentencing for Shakeil Thibou on May 16.

Emma Currie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘This is a profoundly tragic case where a young child lost her mother, on what was meant to be a family-friendly day for them both at the carnival.

‘Cher was caught up in the panicked crowd caused by the actions of the Thibou brothers, who robbed her of her life and the chance to see her little girl grow up.

‘The brothers’ actions showed no regard for the hundreds of people around them. They were undeterred by the police presence close by, with Sheldon and Shaeim assaulting the police officers who quickly and bravely intervened.

‘The jury has carefully considered all the evidence before returning guilty verdicts, which I hope will bring a sense of justice for the community. Our thoughts remain with Cher’s family and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss.’

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