Driver jailed for murdering Aidan Chapman in Shaftesbury Avenue

A driver who killed a man and mowed down others in a drink-fuelled rampage in London's West End on Christmas Day has been jailed for life for murder and attempted murder.

During his trial in December, the Old Bailey heard how Anthony Gilheaney, 32, deliberately drove his Mercedes into a gay couple, a pair of friends and another man on Shaftesbury Avenue, following an evening of drinking and fighting.

One of the men, Aidan Chapman, 25, was thrown into the air by the car and died in hospital of catastrophic head injuries on New Year's Eve.

Gilheaney, from Harlow, Essex, was also convicted of wounding with intent and causing grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to a minimum of 37 years.

Gilheaney was cleared of attempting to murder a third man but was convicted of the alternative charge of causing him grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 32-year-old had told the jury he was not in control of the vehicle after he had been attacked by a group of men earlier that night, and that he did not intend to hurt anyone.