Life Sentence for Fatal Street Attack
A drug dealer who fatally assaulted a woman after his car overturned near Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
On 24 June last year, 24-year-old Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, originally from Peckham in south-east London, crashed his vehicle moments before launching a violent attack on Nila Patel, 56, a stranger walking nearby.
Ahanonu punched, kicked, and stamped on Ms Patel, who was on her way home at the time. She sustained severe injuries, including a fractured skull and brain injury, and died in hospital two days later.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
Ahanonu, residing on Dover Street in Leicester, denied murder during his trial, claiming diminished responsibility. However, on Monday, he was found guilty of murder at Leicester Crown Court.
On Tuesday, the court sentenced him to a minimum term of 21 years and six months imprisonment.
Victim Impact Statements
During the sentencing hearing, Ms Patel's children, Jaidan and Danika Patel, delivered victim impact statements expressing their grief and loss.
"Nine months ago today you murdered our mother."
"The pain of losing her in this way is impossible to accept."
"My mum was the most important person in my life.
Losing her in such a violent and senseless way has shattered my world."
Judge's Remarks
Judge Timothy Spencer KC described the attack as "shocking, brutal and merciless," emphasizing that Ms Patel was an innocent victim.
He stated:
"You murdered a wholly innocent woman.
It was shocking, brutal and merciless."
"You were angry, you were looking for a victim. You selected her, in my judgment, because of three things.
One was her gender, a woman - you would not have attacked a man.
The second was her build and her height - 5ft 4in tall and of slight build."
Judge Spencer further added that he was "satisfied" that Ms Patel's race was the third factor in her selection as a victim.
Defence Statement
KC Paul Raudnitz, representing Ahanonu, informed the court that his client has no recollection of the violent incident and was "shocked" upon viewing footage of the attack.
Raudnitz conveyed Ahanonu's remorse, stating:
"I'm instructed now in the clearest of clear terms the defendant would like to express through me his sincere apologies."
Judge Spencer responded to the defendant, saying:
"I'm quite satisfied you retain much more memory of this attack than you have ever had the courage to admit."
Additional Information
The attack occurred near Leicester Royal Infirmary shortly after Ahanonu's car crashed on 24 June last year.
Ms Patel, aged 56, was returning home when she was assaulted and later died in hospital due to the injuries sustained.
For further updates, listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
