‘Justice has been served', say family of woman killed at Notting Hill Carnival
The family of a woman stabbed to death in front of her three-year-old daughter during Notting Hill Carnival's family day said 'justice has been served' as her killer was jailed for life with a minimum term of 29 years.
Shakeil Thibou, 20, stabbed Cher Maximen, 32, in the groin as her young daughter was close by on August 25 last year.
Judge Philip Katz KC said Thibou's 'brazen' attack had been carried out in broad daylight in front of families and the police.
Speaking outside court, Ms Maximen's family said 'no sentence is long enough' for her killer.
Her sister TJ Jacobs added: '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 just such catastrophic events.'
Asked about Ms Maximen's daughter, her grandmother said she is 'growing up lovely'.
She added: 'She's happy. She's smiling constantly.
'We don't forget about her mummy. We speak about her mum all the time.
'She's thriving… she's got her village around her, her community… she's doing well.'
Thibou, who wore a medical face mask and blue beanie hat in the dock, looked straight ahead throughout the hearing.
Moments before he stabbed Ms Maximen, he had carried out an 'equally horrifying attack' on a man who was backing away from him, his Old Bailey trial heard.
Thibou was found guilty of murder and 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.
Judge Katz said it was 'not possible to overstate the impact' of Ms Maximen's death on her family and friends.
'Cher Maximen took her three-year-old daughter to a children's day at the Notting Hill Carnival,' he said.
'Instead of them both just enjoying a fun day together, that child witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her.
'The police were totally outnumbered as the violence spun out of control.
'Just watching the body-worn footage was terrifying.
'When violence broke out, you were quick to move to join in.
'You were so fired up that you didn't hesitate to use your knife.
'You were so brazen that it was carried out in front of police officers.'
Before the judge delivered his sentence, Thibou shook hands with and spoke to his brother Shaeim through the glass panels of the dock.
The trial heard how a disturbance broke out at about 5.48pm between the defendants and at least two other males close to where Ms Maximen was standing with her group.
The crowd parted as Sheldon Thibou got into a physical confrontation with the males, prompting Pc Mort to step in to break it up, jurors had heard.
Sheldon Thibou was holding a stun gun as he and Shaeim hit out at the officer, the court heard.
Meanwhile, Shakeil Thibou thrust a 'huge' knife repeatedly towards Mr Isaac's stomach, only missing him because the victim drew back.
Ms Maximen was knocked to the ground after Mr Isaac came into contact with her, then managed to partially get to her feet, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said.
She appeared to lift her right leg at Shakeil Thibou who raised the knife directly towards her and deliberately stabbed her in her groin, jurors heard.
The defendants, of Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges against them although Sheldon Thibou admitted having the stun gun.
In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence against Mr Isaac.
He claimed the death of Ms Maximen was an accident.
Philip Evans KC, defending, said Thibou had expressed 'regret' and 'remorse' for what happened.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, grandmother Vyleen Maximen said: 'Cher was my first born grandchild, my friend.
'I held you in my arms when you were born. Thirty-two years of loving, laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again. I won't see you get married or having more children.
'The hole in my heart will never be filled.
'I will never hear your key in my front door shouting 'hello nanny'.
'Life will never be the same, ever.'
Shaeim Thibou was handed a six-month jail term suspended for 18 months.
Judge Katz told him he had gone 'too far' when he assaulted the police officer.
'This is a warning. If you think loyalty to your brothers enables you to break the law, you are very much mistaken,' he added.
Sheldon Thibou will be sentenced at a later date.
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.
'Cher was caught up in the panicked crowd caused by the actions of the Thibou brothers, who robbed her of her life and the chance to see her little girl grow up.
'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.'
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BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Notting Hill: 'Tackle knife crime but Carnival didn't kill Cher'
The family of Cher Maximen, who was killed at the Notting Hill Carnival, have called for more to be done to tackle the underlying causes of knife crime, and said cancelling the event would do nothing to stop Friday, Shakeil Thibou, 20, from Kensington in west London, was jailed for life for her murder with a minimum term of 29 killing led to renewed scrutiny of the annual event, but Ms Maximen's relatives say it should spark a wider conversation about youth violence and community safety, adding that Carnival is "not what killed her".BBC News has contacted organisers Notting Hill Carnival Ltd for comment. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place over two days over the August Bank Holiday along a three-and-a-half mile (5.6km) route in north Kensington and has been running for more than 50 Jacobs, who is the godmother to Cher's daughter, said that cancelling the event would not stop knife crime but that "everyone has some responsibility"."Carnival absolutely has to look at itself and I understand the unique reason why Carnival was set up for people of Caribbean heritage," she said. "That doesn't take away from the fact that in some parts it can be quite dangerous."She said the event's organisers should look at issues of safety and address them in order to stop it "fuelling a narrative" around the entire festival."For the focus purely to be on Carnival takes away from the fact we've watched several people get stabbed in the last 18 months who weren't at Carnival," Ms Jacobs added."What we're saying is, we don't want anyone else to experience losing a loved one to knife crime. So it makes no sense to focus on Carnival, because we recognise that's not what killed Cher." A spokesperson for organisers Notting Hill Carnival Ltd previously said those carrying out violence "have nothing to do with Notting Hill Carnival and its values". Cher's grandmother, Vyleen Maximen agreed, but said that although she had once really enjoyed attending the event, she did worry about safety, particularly over the large numbers of people on the streets."This is just my thoughts... I personally think it should be in a park, that's my opinion," she said."If the genuine opinion is, we all appreciate the value, the heritage, the importance of Carnival, then it deserves a conversation," added Ms Jacobs. "To really look at, how do we safeguard those who come here just to have a good time?"In 2023, the organisers said in response to calls for it to be moved: "The Notting Hill Carnival belongs on the streets of Notting Hill and moving it will not eliminate the issues our community suffered this year." Including Cher Maximen, two people were killed during the 2024 event. Chef Mussie Imnetu, 41, was repeatedly punched and kicked and left to die near the carnival year's event saw eight stabbings in total, according to Metropolitan Police data. The figures, which range from 2017 to 2024, show that 2019 saw the highest number of stabbings at 18 with none fatal. One fatal stabbing was recorded at the 2022 carnival after father-to-be Takayo Nembhard, 21, was killed.A report into the event by the London Assembly's Police and Crime committee published in April noted major concerns about crowd sizes and police evidence the committee in September 2024, the Met's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: "While we acknowledge the crime often gets the headlines, the thing that worries me most is the crowd density and the potential for a mass casualty event."London assembly member, and one-time mayoral candidate, Susan Hall has advocated moving the carnival to Hyde Park. At the publication of the report by the committee, which she chairs, Ms Hall said there have been "a number of incredibly worrying incidents with crowd density" at the raised concerns about the Metropolitan Police's ability "to keep visitors safe or to respond to any incidents that occur".The organisers have said they use "experts from all areas of event organisation" and had 3,300 stewards on duty in 2024 to help manage Sarah Addenbrooke, lead member for communities at Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: "Our thoughts are with Cher Maximen's family as they continue to deal with their devastating loss."Notting Hill Carnival is a space for community cohesion and a global celebration of diversity and Caribbean culture. It is a valued event, enjoyed peacefully and safely by so many people."Ms Jacobs asked people to think of Cher's daughter in discussions around the event. "No one else's story is more important than that," she added.
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
‘Justice has been served', say family of woman killed at Notting Hill Carnival
Shakeil Thibou, 20, stabbed Cher Maximen, 32, in the groin as her young daughter was close by on August 25 last year. Judge Philip Katz KC said Thibou's 'brazen' attack had been carried out in broad daylight in front of families and the police. Speaking outside court, Ms Maximen's family said 'no sentence is long enough' for her killer. Her sister TJ Jacobs added: '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 just such catastrophic events.' Asked about Ms Maximen's daughter, her grandmother said she is 'growing up lovely'. She added: 'She's happy. She's smiling constantly. Cher Maximen died after being stabbed in the groin (Met Police/PA) 'We don't forget about her mummy. We speak about her mum all the time. 'She's thriving… she's got her village around her, her community… she's doing well.' Thibou, who wore a medical face mask and blue beanie hat in the dock, looked straight ahead throughout the hearing. Moments before he stabbed Ms Maximen, he had carried out an 'equally horrifying attack' on a man who was backing away from him, his Old Bailey trial heard. Thibou was found guilty of murder and 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. Judge Katz said it was 'not possible to overstate the impact' of Ms Maximen's death on her family and friends. 'Cher Maximen took her three-year-old daughter to a children's day at the Notting Hill Carnival,' he said. 'Instead of them both just enjoying a fun day together, that child witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her. 'The police were totally outnumbered as the violence spun out of control. 'Just watching the body-worn footage was terrifying. 'When violence broke out, you were quick to move to join in. 'You were so fired up that you didn't hesitate to use your knife. 'You were so brazen that it was carried out in front of police officers.' The family of Cher Maximen after Shakeil Thibou was jailed for life (Emily Pennink/PA) Before the judge delivered his sentence, Thibou shook hands with and spoke to his brother Shaeim through the glass panels of the dock. The trial heard how a disturbance broke out at about 5.48pm between the defendants and at least two other males close to where Ms Maximen was standing with her group. The crowd parted as Sheldon Thibou got into a physical confrontation with the males, prompting Pc Mort to step in to break it up, jurors had heard. Sheldon Thibou was holding a stun gun as he and Shaeim hit out at the officer, the court heard. Meanwhile, Shakeil Thibou thrust a 'huge' knife repeatedly towards Mr Isaac's stomach, only missing him because the victim drew back. Ms Maximen was knocked to the ground after Mr Isaac came into contact with her, then managed to partially get to her feet, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said. She appeared to lift her right leg at Shakeil Thibou who raised the knife directly towards her and deliberately stabbed her in her groin, jurors heard. The defendants, of Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges against them although Sheldon Thibou admitted having the stun gun. In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence against Mr Isaac. He claimed the death of Ms Maximen was an accident. Philip Evans KC, defending, said Thibou had expressed 'regret' and 'remorse' for what happened. In a victim impact statement read to the court, grandmother Vyleen Maximen said: 'Cher was my first born grandchild, my friend. 'I held you in my arms when you were born. Thirty-two years of loving, laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again. I won't see you get married or having more children. 'The hole in my heart will never be filled. 'I will never hear your key in my front door shouting 'hello nanny'. 'Life will never be the same, ever.' The family of Cher Maximen and supporters outside the Old Bailey in central London (Emily Pennink/PA) Shaeim Thibou was handed a six-month jail term suspended for 18 months. Judge Katz told him he had gone 'too far' when he assaulted the police officer. 'This is a warning. If you think loyalty to your brothers enables you to break the law, you are very much mistaken,' he added. Sheldon Thibou will be sentenced at a later date. 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. 'Cher was caught up in the panicked crowd caused by the actions of the Thibou brothers, who robbed her of her life and the chance to see her little girl grow up. '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.'
Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
‘Justice has been served', say family of woman killed at Notting Hill Carnival
Shakeil Thibou, 20, stabbed Cher Maximen, 32, in the groin as her young daughter was close by on August 25 last year. Judge Philip Katz KC said Thibou's 'brazen' attack had been carried out in broad daylight in front of families and the police. Speaking outside court, Ms Maximen's family said 'no sentence is long enough' for her killer. Her sister TJ Jacobs added: '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 just such catastrophic events.' Asked about Ms Maximen's daughter, her grandmother said she is 'growing up lovely'. She added: 'She's happy. She's smiling constantly. 'We don't forget about her mummy. We speak about her mum all the time. 'She's thriving… she's got her village around her, her community… she's doing well.' Thibou, who wore a medical face mask and blue beanie hat in the dock, looked straight ahead throughout the hearing. Moments before he stabbed Ms Maximen, he had carried out an 'equally horrifying attack' on a man who was backing away from him, his Old Bailey trial heard. Thibou was found guilty of murder and 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. Judge Katz said it was 'not possible to overstate the impact' of Ms Maximen's death on her family and friends. 'Cher Maximen took her three-year-old daughter to a children's day at the Notting Hill Carnival,' he said. 'Instead of them both just enjoying a fun day together, that child witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her. 'The police were totally outnumbered as the violence spun out of control. 'Just watching the body-worn footage was terrifying. 'When violence broke out, you were quick to move to join in. 'You were so fired up that you didn't hesitate to use your knife. 'You were so brazen that it was carried out in front of police officers.' Before the judge delivered his sentence, Thibou shook hands with and spoke to his brother Shaeim through the glass panels of the dock. The trial heard how a disturbance broke out at about 5.48pm between the defendants and at least two other males close to where Ms Maximen was standing with her group. The crowd parted as Sheldon Thibou got into a physical confrontation with the males, prompting Pc Mort to step in to break it up, jurors had heard. Sheldon Thibou was holding a stun gun as he and Shaeim hit out at the officer, the court heard. Meanwhile, Shakeil Thibou thrust a 'huge' knife repeatedly towards Mr Isaac's stomach, only missing him because the victim drew back. Ms Maximen was knocked to the ground after Mr Isaac came into contact with her, then managed to partially get to her feet, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said. She appeared to lift her right leg at Shakeil Thibou who raised the knife directly towards her and deliberately stabbed her in her groin, jurors heard. The defendants, of Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges against them although Sheldon Thibou admitted having the stun gun. In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence against Mr Isaac. He claimed the death of Ms Maximen was an accident. Philip Evans KC, defending, said Thibou had expressed 'regret' and 'remorse' for what happened. In a victim impact statement read to the court, grandmother Vyleen Maximen said: 'Cher was my first born grandchild, my friend. 'I held you in my arms when you were born. Thirty-two years of loving, laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again. I won't see you get married or having more children. 'The hole in my heart will never be filled. 'I will never hear your key in my front door shouting 'hello nanny'. 'Life will never be the same, ever.' Shaeim Thibou was handed a six-month jail term suspended for 18 months. Judge Katz told him he had gone 'too far' when he assaulted the police officer. 'This is a warning. If you think loyalty to your brothers enables you to break the law, you are very much mistaken,' he added. Sheldon Thibou will be sentenced at a later date. 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. 'Cher was caught up in the panicked crowd caused by the actions of the Thibou brothers, who robbed her of her life and the chance to see her little girl grow up. '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.'
