Omar Wilson is accused of beating the Michelin-starred chef to death near Notting Hill Carnival (Picture: Central News/Beyond Recovery)
A top chef who died near Notting Hill Carnival was ‘headbutted’ and repeatedly punched to the head, a court heard.
Omar Wilson, 31, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with murdering Mussie Imnetu, 41, on August 26.
Mr Imnetu had worked under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, and was visiting the UK on business from Dubai when he attended the carnival last month.
Wilson stands accused of punching him multiple times in the head in a fatal attack outside the Dr Power restaurant in Queensway, after the two interacted ‘in the area’ of the celebrations.
Around 70 seconds after the alleged headbutt, Wilson allegedly ‘punched the deceased five times to his head’ and continued ‘punching him to the head’ after he fell to the floor, Julian Winship, prosecuting, told the court.
Mr Imnetu was found unconscious with a head injury at about 11.22pm. He received immediate medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital where he died on August 30.
Mussie Imnetu, 41, was visiting the UK from Dubai (Picture: Met Police)
Wilson was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm but the charge was changed to murder following Mr Imnetu’s death, the court heard.
Wilson, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth in the short hearing.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on November 25.
A provisional trial date was also set for February 3 next year, with a time estimate of two weeks.
Mr Imnetu had been visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lives and works as a chef, the Metropolitan Police said.
He left The Arts Club, a private members-only club in Mayfair where he had been working, on his own shortly after 1pm on August 26, wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans.
Mr Imnetu is said to have later bought a white baseball cap before arriving alone at the Dr Power restaurant, which was busy with carnival attendees, at about 10.30pm.
The Arts Club Dubai website says its head chef Mr Imnetu has worked under celebrity chefs Ramsay and Wareing, as well as Alain Ducasse.
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