Man Convicted of Murdering Woman at Notting Hill Carnival

A 20-year-old man, Shakeil Thibou, has been found guilty of murdering Cher Maximen, 32, during the Notting Hill Carnival's family day. The stabbing occurred in front of Ms. Maximen's three-year-old daughter on August 25th of the previous year.

Prior to the murder, Thibou had also attacked a man, described as an "equally horrifying attack" by the prosecutor. The jury found Thibou guilty of murder by a majority verdict. He was also convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Adjei Isaac and possessing an offensive weapon.

Shakeil Thibou's brother, Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer, Pc Oliver Mort, who attempted to intervene. A third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted of assaulting Pc Mort.

The court heard that a disturbance erupted between the defendants and other individuals near where Ms. Maximen was standing. Sheldon Thibou was seen holding a stun gun, and he and Shaeim assaulted Pc Mort. Meanwhile, Shakeil Thibou repeatedly thrust a knife towards Mr. Isaac, narrowly missing him. Ms. Maximen was knocked to the ground and then stabbed in the groin by Shakeil Thibou. The injuries were fatal.

The defendants, from Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges. Shakeil Thibou claimed he acted in self-defense and that Ms. Maximen's death was an accident. However, the prosecution argued that the knife was brought to the scene by the defendant, and another blade was found during a search of his room. Sentencing for Shakeil Thibou has been scheduled for May 16th.