Man, 31, guilty of top chef’s murder

A 32-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering a top chef near the Notting Hill Carnival.

Omar Wilson repeatedly punched and kicked Mussie Imnetu outside Dr Power restaurant in Queensway, west London, and left him dying in the street to go clubbing, the Old Bailey heard.

Mr Imnetu, 41, who had previously worked under chefs Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, was said to have been “heavily intoxicated” when he became involved in a late-night altercation on August 26.

A jury deliberated for more than 20 hours to find Wilson guilty of the chef’s murder by a majority of 10 to two.

Following the altercation, Mr Imnetu was taken to hospital with brain damage and died four days later.

During the trial, Wilson, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, east London, claimed he acted in self-defence, telling jurors: “I just regret that somebody’s life was taken while I was trying to defend mine.”

In the aftermath of the attack, Wilson told an associate he “crossed the line”.

In a message, he admitted: “There’s a monster in me, man, and it’s just like sometimes it comes out.

“And I think I’ve messed up now. I’ve messed up; everything’s finished.”

Wilson was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on 28 February.

Samantha Yelland, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mussie Imnetu’s devastated family and friends who loved him dearly, as well as those who had to witness the shocking attack that evening.

“Omar Wilson’s savage violence ultimately took the life of a much-loved man, and the Crown Prosecution Service was determined that he should face justice.

“While Wilson tried to claim his actions were in self-defence, the evidence clearly showed that he was the only person acting violently.

“I hope today’s verdict – which will see Wilson put behind bars for the murder – provides some comfort to those who now have to live a life without Mussie.”