Omar Wilson, 31, has been charged with the murder of Mussie Imnetu,41, who died from ‘catastrophic brain injuries’ sustained in an attack last month, reports Marco Marcelline
A Leytonstone man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a top chef that he allegedly punched multiple times in the head.
As reported by the PA News Agency, Omar Wilson, 31, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday (9th September) accused of murdering Mussie Imnetu, 41, outside a West London restaurant on 26th August.
Mussie, who was head chef at an exclusive member’s club in Dubai, had been visiting the UK on business before he was fatally attacked.
Emergency services found him unconscious with a head injury at around 11.22pm. He was taken to hospital but sadly died on 30th August from a “catastrophic brain injury”.
Wilson was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) but his charge updated to murder after Mussie died.
At the 9th September hearing, Julian Winship, prosecuting, alleged that Wilson had “headbutted” Mussie, before “punching” him “five times to his head”. He allegedly continued to “punch him to the head” after he fell to the floor, Winship told the court.
According to the PA, Wilson spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at the hearing.
Wilson was then remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation at the Old Bailey on 25th November.
This story is published by Waltham Forest Echo, Waltham Forest's free monthly newspaper and free news website. We are a not-for-profit publication, published by a small social enterprise. We have no rich backers and rely on the support of our readers. Donate or become a supporter.
A provisional two-week trial date has also been set to begin at 3rd February.
Much of the reporting around the incident has suggested Mussie was attacked at Notting Hill Carnival due to the Metropolitan Police’s initial press releases stating the incident took place there.
However, he was found unconscious outside the carnival area at Dr Power restaurant in Queensway, hours after the carnival had finished.
The only clear link to the carnival is that Dr Power had been holding an event with a carnival related theme at the time of incident.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mussie was executive head chef at The Brasserie at The Arts Club Dubai. The Swedish chef had previously worked at the exclusive members club’s London branch, and at the Oblix at The Shard and The Savoy Grill.
His profile also states he had worked with celebrity chefs like Alain Ducasse and Gordon Ramsay during his career.
The Arts Club Dubai’s website credits him for crafting an “ever-changing, seasonal menu inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean and beyond.” He worked at the largest of three restaurants at the members club, where a full annual membership costs around £3,260.
A statement from The Arts Club Dubai and London, said: “Known for his passion, calm demeanour and kindness, Mussie truly embodied the essence of the Club.
“A well-travelled chef, Mussie hails from Eritrea and grew up in Sweden. He was a keen footballer and famously counted on his now eight-year-old son to taste test his culinary masterpieces.
“Mussie will be dearly missed by the entire The Arts Club team. His legacy will live on through the passion and excellence he instilled in those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
