Murder defendant allegedly hit top chef on the head several times

Omar Wilson, 31, attended the Old Bailey on Monday accused of attacking chef Mussie Imnetu, 41, outside Dr Power restaurant in Queensway on August 26.

Mr Imnetu was found unconscious with a head injury at around 11.22pm on Monday and received immediate medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital where he died on August 30.

Wilson was originally charged with grievous bodily harm but the charge was changed to murder following Mr Imnetu's death, the court heard.

Prosecutor Julian Winship explained the facts, claiming that Wilson “headbutted” Mr Imnetu after the two came into contact “near” the fairground.

About 70 seconds later, Wilson allegedly punched the deceased “five times in the head” and continued to punch him after he fell to the ground, Mr Winship told the court.

Wilson, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, only confirmed his name and date of birth during the brief hearing.

He was remanded in custody pending a vow and trial preparation hearing in the same court on November 25.

In addition, a provisional hearing date has been set for February 3 next year; the hearing is expected to last two weeks.

Mr Imnetu was in Britain on business from Dubai, where he lives and works as a chef, the Metropolitan Police said.

He left the Arts Club, a private members-only club in Mayfair, alone shortly after 1pm on August 26, wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans.

Mr Imnetu is said to have later bought a white baseball cap before arriving alone at the Dr Power restaurant, which was busy with carnival-goers, at around 10.30 p.m.

The Arts Club Dubai website states that Mr Imnetu has worked under celebrity chefs Ramsay and Wareing, as well as Alain Ducasse.