Met PoliceThe man who murdered Cher Maximen in front of her three-year-old daughter at Notting Hill Carnival has been jailed for life.
Shakeil Thibou, 20, from Kensington in west London, was sentenced at the Old Bailey where he was ordered to serve a minimum term of 29 years.
Ms Maximen, 32, was stabbed with a zombie knife when a fight between a group of men broke out next to her. She died six days later in hospital.
During sentencing, Judge Philip Katz said: “It is not possible to overstate the impact of Cher’s brutal and shocking murder on those who knew her.”
The trial heard that Thibou had lunged at a man, Adjei Isaac, during the fight on 25 August – family day at the carnival.
As Mr Isaac tried to avoid being stabbed, he came into contact with Ms Maximen, who fell to the ground. She was then stabbed by Thibou.
Thibou was found guilty of murder, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to 20-year-old Mr Isaac with intent, and having an offensive weapon.
Met PoliceJudge Katz said Thibou’s “brazen” attack had been carried out in broad daylight in front of families and the police.
He said instead of just enjoying a fun day together, Cher’s daughter “witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her.
“The police were totally outnumbered as the violence spun out of control.”
The judge said watching the police body-worn footage was “terrifying”.
Addressing Thibou, Judge Katz said: “When violence broke out, you were quick to move to join in.
“You were so fired up that you didn’t hesitate to use your knife.
“You were so brazen that it was carried out in front of police officers.”
Thibou, who wore a medical face mask and blue beanie hat in the dock, looked straight ahead throughout.
His brother Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting PC Oliver Mort, who tried to intervene.
A third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted of assaulting PC Mort.
Shaeim will be sentenced later on Friday, will Sheldon will be sentenced at a later date.
