A driver who killed one man and injured four others during a drunken spree in London’s West End on Christmas Day has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 37 years.

Anthony Gilheaney, 32, was found guilty in December of murder, attempted murder, intent to cause serious injury, and grievous bodily harm after a court trial.

During the proceedings at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that Gilheaney intentionally drove his powerful Mercedes into a gay couple, two friends, and another individual on Shaftesbury Avenue after a night of drinking and brawling.

One of the victims, 25-year-old Aidan Chapman, was thrown into the air by the vehicle and succumbed to severe head injuries in the hospital on New Year’s Eve.

Although Gilheaney faced accusations of attempting to murder a third individual, the jury convicted him of the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Testimony indicated that following his departure from a nightclub, he engaged in racial slurs and struck Arif Khan before exiting the vehicle to launch a physical assault on him.

After being confronted by a group of men who intervened, Gilheaney returned to his car and began driving on sidewalks, first targeting Marcelo Basbus-Garcia and his partner Miguel Waihrich. Subsequently, after just missing a couple with a child in a stroller, he drove across the street and struck Chapman and his friend Tyrone Itorho, as revealed in the trial.

Gilheaney was apprehended in Lincoln’s Inn Fields near Covent Garden following a police chase that recorded speeds exceeding 90 mph.

The prosecution argued that he targeted individuals based on racial and homophobic motives.

During the trial, prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC presented Victim Impact Statements from Chapman’s family, including a heartfelt message from his father, Darren, who expressed that work had become his only distraction from profound sorrow.

“I now question my abilities as a parent – that is the impact Anthony Gilheaney has made – he is a monster, displaying no remorse, just self-centered sorrow.”

By maintaining his not guilty plea, he subjected the family to weeks of distress in court, the father added.

Dressed in a blue suit and white shirt, Gilheaney bowed his head, appearing emotional as Chapman’s father continued: “My son cherished life and would never harm anyone. He adored his family and his young son, was passionate about music and his friends, and took pride in his body art.

“He led a life full of kindness and consideration; he was my only child and a father in his own right. His six-year-old son is now without a father.”

Aylett also detailed Gilheaney’s extensive criminal history, which began when he was just 14 years old.

In his defense, James Scobie KC argued that Gilheaney grew up with little education and led a “wild life” from an early age, deeply influenced by a fascination with fast cars.

Scobie remarked, “In my experience interacting with him, he has expressed genuine remorse for the devastation he has caused.”

Earlier, Gilheaney had told the jury that he lost control of the vehicle after being assaulted by a group that night, insisting he never intended to injure anyone.

This report included contributions from the Press Association.