A man has denied murdering a chef who was found with serious head injuries after Notting Hill Carnival.
Mussie Imnetu, 41, who worked under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, was allegedly punched multiple times by Omar Wilson, 31, outside the Dr Power restaurant in Queensway, west London, on 26 August.
Mr Imnetu, who was found unconscious at about 23:30 BST, received medical attention at the scene and was taken to hospital, where he died on 30 August.
Mr Wilson was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm but the charge was changed to murder following Mr Imnetu’s death.
The defendant, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Belmarsh on Monday to enter a plea of not guilty.
At a previous court hearing, prosecution barrister Julian Winship alleged Mr Wilson “headbutted” Mr Imnetu after the two interacted “in the area” of the carnival.
Around 70 seconds later, Mr Wilson allegedly “punched the deceased five times to his head” and continued “punching him to the head” after he fell to the floor, Mr Winship told the court.
Mr Imnetu had been visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lived and worked, the Metropolitan Police said.
He left The Arts Club, a private members-only club in Mayfair, on his own shortly after 13:00 BST on 26 August, 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 attendees, at about 22:30 BST.
The Arts Club Dubai website said Mr Imnetu worked under celebrity chefs Ramsay and Wareing, as well as Alain Ducasse.
A trial date has been set for 3 February 2025.
