There’s a Monster in Me – Omar Wilson Jailed for Murder

By Ben Freeman

Omar Wilson, 31, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, east London, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years for the murder of Mussie Imnetu, a 41-year-old professional chef, following a violent altercation outside a restaurant in west London on the night of August 26, 2024. The attack, which took place in the vicinity of Notting Hill Carnival, was captured on CCTV and presented as key evidence during the trial at the Old Bailey.

The court heard that both Wilson and Imnetu had been attending the carnival earlier in the evening before encountering each other outside the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway. The sequence of events leading to the fatal assault was recorded in graphic detail on security cameras. The footage showed Wilson approaching Imnetu and, without warning, delivering a headbutt.

He then proceeded to strike the victim multiple times, landing at least five punches before Imnetu collapsed to the ground. As Imnetu knelt, Wilson continued his assault, raining further punches on his head before pausing momentarily. He then stepped back, raised his leg, and delivered a forceful kick to Imnetu’s head while he remained defenceless on the pavement.

Police officers in the vicinity responded swiftly, but Wilson had already left the scene. Instead of remaining to assist or explain his actions, he was dropped off outside the Ministry of Sound nightclub in central London. Meanwhile, Imnetu was taken to hospital, where he remained unconscious for four days before succumbing to a fatal brain hemorrhage caused by the blows he had sustained.

Wilson was arrested on August 28, 2024. In interviews with police, he claimed to have acted in self-defence, alleging that Imnetu had been behaving erratically and was in possession of a broken bottle. The jury was shown extensive CCTV footage throughout the two-week trial, which demonstrated that Imnetu had never posed an immediate threat to Wilson and had not attempted to strike him at any point during the altercation. The prosecution systematically dismantled Wilson’s claim of self-defence, presenting compelling evidence that his actions were disproportionate and unlawful.

During the trial, the jury was also presented with messages sent by Wilson in the aftermath of the attack, in which he acknowledged the severity of his actions.

“There’s a monster in me, man, and it’s just like sometimes it comes out. And I think I’ve messed up now, I’ve messed up, everything’s finished.”

In a separate message, when asked about his time at the carnival, Wilson admitted:

“Can’t lie. I did the hands ting and I think it’s a manslaughter.”

Following deliberations, the jury found Wilson guilty of murder. Sentencing him at the Old Bailey, Judge Philip Katz KC condemned the defendant’s actions as “abhorrent” and noted the impact of such unprovoked street violence on public confidence.

“Mussie and those who loved him are the victims in this case, and the impact on them of his murder has been severe. His brutal death on the street was captured on CCTV. The footage was deeply shocking to watch.”

Addressing the nature of the attack, he continued:

“Mussie was defenceless on the ground when you punched and kicked him to death. It needs to be clearly understood that unlawful street violence of this sort impacts on the confidence of members of the public to go out and enjoy themselves. The culpability of those involved in such brazen conduct is significantly raised.”

Judge Katz dismissed Wilson’s claim that he had perceived Imnetu to be holding a broken bottle, describing it as “a deliberate lie.” He noted that Wilson had multiple opportunities to withdraw from the confrontation but instead escalated the violence.

“Only a few seconds after punches were aimed by both of you, you tripped Mussie and he fell to the ground and you could have walked away. As he knelt, you rained further punches down on his head. You could have walked away. However, you stood up, raised your leg, and kicked him hard to the head. Kicking someone to the head when they are defenceless on the ground is abhorrent.”

During sentencing, the court also heard a pre-recorded victim impact statement from Imnetu’s wife, Linda, who described her husband as “respected, admired and loved.” A brief audio message from the couple’s six-year-old son was also played in court, in which the child simply said:

“I love you. Bye bye, daddy.”

The judge acknowledged the deep emotional toll of the loss but reiterated that the sentencing was based strictly on the facts of the case.

Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS London Homicide Unit, stated:

“Our thoughts remain with Mussie Imnetu’s devastated family and friends who loved him dearly, as well as those who had to witness the shocking attack that evening. Omar Wilson’s savage violence ultimately took the life of a much-loved man, and the Crown Prosecution Service was determined that he should face justice. The evidence in this case was overwhelming, with high-quality CCTV footage showing Wilson attacking the victim.

While Wilson tried to claim his actions were in self-defence, the evidence clearly showed that he was the only person acting violently. I hope today’s verdict – which will see Wilson put behind bars for the murder – provides some comfort to those who now have to live a life without Mussie.”

With Wilson now sentenced to life imprisonment, he must serve a minimum of 18 years before he can be considered for parole. The case underscores the severity with which the courts treat violent offences committed in public spaces, particularly where there is compelling evidence of excessive force being used against an unarmed victim.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I’ll see you then.