Shakeil Thibou: guilty of killing Cher Maximen

A MAN had been convicted of murder after a mother was stabbed in front of her daughter at Notting Hill Carnival.

Shakeil Thibou, 20, of Masbro Road, Hammersmith, was convicted of Cher Maximen’s murder, attempted GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard that Cher had spent the afternoon with her daughter and her friends among a crowd when she was caught up in an attack between rival men in Golborne Road.

TJ Jacobs, a relative of Cher and godmother to her daughter, said: “We will never recover from this loss, but we are determined to ensure that Cher’s daughter – now being raised by her beloved great-grandmother, along with her village of aunties, uncles, and godparents – receives the love, support, and care she needs as we navigate life without her.

Cher Maximen

“Cher’s four-year-old daughter was her everything, her reason, her drive, and now her legacy.”

CCTV showed Shakeil attempting to stab a man in the abdomen and Cher, 32, getting caught up in the melee and knocked down, grabbing onto Shakeil’s coat as she tried to get back on her feet. She was stabbed in the groin as she did so, falling to the ground.

She later died in hospital.

Shakeil with his brothers – Sheldon Thibou and Shaeim Thibou – fought with one man.

Sheldon can be seen wielding an illegal stun gun. An officer who intervened to try to break up the fight was assaulted by both brothers, the Metropolitan Police said.

A Maximen family statement added thanks to the police for an extensive investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said: “She was a loving mother who went to Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy what should have been a carefree day in the company of friends and her young daughter.

In stark contrast, Shakeil Thibou went to carnival not to be part of the celebration, but to engage in violence. Why else would he have arrived armed with a large knife and seeking confrontation?”

Sentencing is due May 16.