Man accused of murdering Cher Maximen at Notting Hill Carnival to stand trial next year

A man accused of murdering a mother in front of her young daughter in an attack at Notting Hill Carnival is set to stand trial in February next year.

Shakiel Thibou, 20, stabbed 32-year-old Cher Maximen in the groin with a machete-type knife during an outbreak of violence at the annual west London carnival, it is said.

Ms Maximen, who attended the event with friends and her three-year-old daughter, suffered significant blood loss and died in hospital six days later.

Thibou appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday alongside his brothers, Sheldon Thibou, 24, and Shaeim Thibou, 21.

Shakiel Thibou is accused of Ms Maximen’s murder , the court heard, and he is due to be charged with a second count of attempted murder against another person. He is also accused of violent disorder and possession of a knife in a public place.

His brothers are accused of violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, while Sheldon Thibou is also charged with possessing a stun gun.

Ms Maximen, a model and clothing designer, was stabbed near to Trellick Tower in Kensal Town, when a fight broke out just before 6pm.

Prosecutor Alistair Richardson said Shakiel Thibou is accused of arming himself with a “machete-style knife” as he allegedly tried to stab an unknown man.

He is accused of “ stabbing Cher Maximen to the area of her groin and she then collapsed”.

His brothers are accused of “attacking police officers in an attempt to stop them intervening”, it is said.

After her death in hospital, her family issued a statement saying: “Cher was beautiful inside and out. She has a lot of family and has many friends.

“She was a good mother and protector of family and close friends.”

Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, remanded all three brothers in custody until a plea hearing on November 28.

A trial, estimated to last four weeks, has been set for February 24 next year.

Shakiel Thibou, of Masbro Road, Hammersmith, west London, and Sheldon Thibou, of Star Road, Hammersmith, gave no indication of pleas at their first appearance in the magistrates court, while Shaeim Thibou, ofCharleville Road, Fulham, southwest London, indicated not guilty pleas.

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