The family of Cher Maximen, a 32-year-old mother fatally stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter during Notting Hill Carnival’s family day, have said “justice has been served” after her killer was handed a life sentence.
Shakeil Thibou, 20, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years for the murder, which took place in broad daylight on 25 August last year. He attacked Ms Maximen with a knife, fatally stabbing her in the groin as her child stood nearby. The court heard that moments earlier, he had launched a separate, frenzied attack on another man in the crowd.
Judge Philip Katz KC described Thibou’s conduct as “brazen” and “terrifying”, condemning the daylight violence committed in the presence of families and police officers. He said, “Cher Maximen took her three-year-old daughter to a children’s day at the Notting Hill Carnival. Instead of them both just enjoying a fun day together, that child witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her.”
Speaking outside court following the sentencing, Ms Maximen’s family said, “No sentence is long enough” for her killer. Her sister, TJ Jacobs, said: “We’re glad that justice has been served. We hope that it acts as a deterrent to people that choose to come along to any occasion or any event and act so recklessly and without thought in situations that can lead to such catastrophic events.”
Ms Maximen’s mother, Vyleen, tearfully described the devastating impact of her granddaughter’s death, saying: “Cher was my first born grandchild, my friend. Thirty-two years of loving, laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again. Life will never be the same, ever.”
She also offered a reassuring update on Cher’s daughter, stating that the young girl is “growing up lovely”, surrounded by her community and loved ones. “She’s thriving… she’s got her village around her… she’s doing well.”
Shakeil Thibou showed little emotion in court, wearing a medical face mask and blue beanie hat, looking straight ahead during the sentencing. He was also convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to 20-year-old Adjei Isaac and possession of an offensive weapon.
The incident occurred during a sudden outburst of violence near where Ms Maximen stood with her group. Jurors heard how a scuffle began around 5.48pm between the defendants and other males. Amid the chaos, Shakeil Thibou repeatedly thrust a large knife towards Mr Isaac, narrowly missing him. In the fray, Mr Isaac collided with Ms Maximen, who was knocked down. As she tried to regain her footing, Thibou deliberately drove the knife into her groin.
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His elder brother, Sheldon Thibou, 25, was convicted of violent disorder and assaulting PC Oliver Mort, who had intervened during the melee. A third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but found guilty of assaulting the same officer. He received a suspended six-month jail term, with Judge Katz warning, “If you think loyalty to your brothers enables you to break the law, you are very much mistaken.”
Sheldon Thibou is due to be sentenced at a later date.
In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence. He asserted Ms Maximen’s death was an accident. However, the jury rejected this account.
Emma Currie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This is a profoundly tragic case where a young child lost her mother, on what was meant to be a family-friendly day for them both at the carnival. The brothers’ actions showed no regard for the hundreds of people around them. Our thoughts remain with Cher’s family and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”
