Court 'Senseless act of violence cut short a life that had so much to offer'

THE grandmother of a Bristol woman who was murdered in front of her three-year-old daughter at the Notting Hill Carnival has spoken of her sadness at losing her first-born grandchild.

- Emily PENNINK

Shakeil Thibou, 20, stabbed Cher Maximen, 32, in the groin as her young daughter was close by on August 25 last year.

Moments before, he had carried out an “equally horrifying attack” on a man who was backing away from him, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said.

Thibou was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey by a majority of 10 to two jurors.

He was also convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to 20-year-old Adjei Isaac with intent, and having an offensive weapon.

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 after the jury deliberated for 50 hours and 33 minutes.

There was a shout of “yes” from Ms Maximen’s family in court as the verdicts were delivered.