Drug Dealer on Prison Licence Accused of Murdering Mother in Vicious Stamping Attack
A drug dealer was on licence from prison when he allegedly killed a stranger by stamping her to death, a murder trial at Leicester Crown Court has been told. Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, 23, is accused of murdering Nila Patel, a 56-year-old mother, following a road traffic collision on June 24, 2025.
Background of the Accused and the Fatal Incident
Prosecutors allege that Ahanonu, originally from Peckham in south-east London, murdered Ms Patel near Leicester Royal Infirmary in a vicious attack caused by his use of cannabis. The court heard that Ahanonu had been freed from a two-year prison sentence in July 2024, having been convicted in September 2023 for offences including possession of a machete and over £1,000 in cash after going through a red light.
Ms Patel had got off a bus after Ahanonu crashed and overturned a BMW before she was allegedly attacked. She suffered brain damage and died in hospital two days later, on June 26, 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence Presented
In agreed facts read to the jury on Monday, March 9, 2026, by junior prosecution counsel Caroline Bray, it was stated that a blood test for cannabis showed Ahanonu was almost four times the legal limit for driving at the time of the alleged murder. The test found a THC level of 7.6mcg, above the legal limit of 2mcg, with no alcohol detected in a sample taken around three hours after the incident.
Ahanonu has admitted manslaughter but denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility for the killing. He has also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and assaulting an emergency worker in relation to the events on that day.
Licence Conditions and Previous Convictions
Ms Bray confirmed that Ahanonu was on licence at the time of the attack, with his licence beginning on July 19, 2024, and due to end on September 20, 2025. The conditions included being of good behaviour, not committing any offence, not possessing more than one telephone, and living at an approved address.
The court heard that Ahanonu had a history of drug-related offences. He was given a suspended sentence in June 2023 for possession with intent to supply cannabis at his university flat. His car was stopped by police in August and September 2023, with officers finding a machete and cannabis during the second stop, leading to his remand in custody and subsequent 24-month jail sentence.
Defence Strategy and Trial Developments
Following the end of the Crown's case, Ahanonu opted not to give evidence in his defence. Defence KC Paul Raudnitz told Judge Timothy Spencer KC that the defendant will not be testifying, with psychiatric evidence expected to be presented instead. The judge noted that jurors may draw inferences from Ahanonu's refusal to give evidence, a point Mr Raudnitz confirmed he had advised the defendant on.
The trial continues as the court examines the details of this tragic case, highlighting issues of public safety and the challenges of rehabilitation for offenders on licence.
