A driver who confessed to striking and killing a man with his vehicle on Christmas Day in London’s West End has been convicted of murder.

Anthony Gilheaney, 31, initially denied the murder charge but acknowledged the manslaughter of 25-year-old Aidan Chapman during a series of random assaults where he employed a high-performance Mercedes to run over individuals.

The prosecution rejected the manslaughter plea, leading to Gilheaney’s trial for murder at the Old Bailey.

Hailing from Harlow in Essex, Gilheaney also faced charges of unlawful wounding, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and assault concerning four other victims injured in the event. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30.