Man Jailed 29 Years for Murder at Notting Hill Carnival

Shakeil Thibou, 20, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 29 years for the murder of Cher Maximen, 32, who was fatally stabbed in the groin during the Notting Hill Carnival family day in west London. The attack occurred in broad daylight in front of Cher's three-year-old daughter and police officers as Thibou attempted to stab another man, Adjei Isaac, but instead struck Cher after she was knocked to the ground. The violent incident involved Thibou using a zombie knife and was part of a larger brawl that escalated quickly, with his brothers also involved and convicted of related offenses. Cher Maximen died six days after sustaining a 12cm-deep stab wound, and the case has had a profound impact on her family and the community. Judge Philip Katz KC described the attack as "brazen" and emphasized the severity of the violence witnessed by families and law enforcement. The sentencing marks justice for a senseless act that tragically ended the life of a devoted mother and loved one during what should have been a family celebration.