A drug dealer who was on licence from prison is on trial for the murder of Nila Patel, a 56-year-old mother who died after being stamped in a violent attack, Leicester Crown Court heard.
Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, 23, allegedly killed Ms Patel following a road traffic collision near Leicester Royal Infirmary on June 24 last year. The court was told Ahanonu had been released early from a two-year prison sentence in July 2024, after previously being found in possession of over £1,000 in cash and a machete following a traffic stop in September 2023.
Prosecutors claim the attack was linked to Ahanonu’s cannabis use, with toxicology showing his blood THC levels nearly four times the legal limit for driving at the time of the incident. Ms Patel had just alighted from a bus when Ahanonu lost control of his BMW, crashing and overturning the vehicle before the assault occurred. Ms Patel suffered brain damage and died in hospital two days later.
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In court on March 9, junior prosecution counsel Caroline Bray read agreed facts confirming the defendant’s cannabis levels were above the legal threshold, while tests showed no alcohol present in his system. Ahanonu, from Dover Street, Leicester, had previously received a suspended sentence in June 2023 for possession with intent to supply cannabis and was later jailed for possession of a bladed article and breaching that sentence.
At the time of the fatal attack, Ahanonu was subject to licence conditions, including requirements to maintain good behaviour and reside at an approved address. Additional charges linked to the day include dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Ahanonu has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claiming diminished responsibility, but denies murder. His defence is expected to present psychiatric evidence during the trial. Notably, Ahanonu chose not to testify in his own defence after being advised of possible inferences jurors may draw from this decision.
The trial is ongoing.