A driver who deliberately ran over and murdered a council worker has been convicted.

Camisan Emanuvel, 36 from Ilford, struck Gopinath Kasivisuwanathan, a 27-year-old Brent council worker, with his Audi A3 in Ealing Road, Alperton, in the early hours of April 16.

The attack happened after a dispute between two groups who arrived at the area holding weapons like poles, sticks and bottles.

Emanuvel used his car as a weapon when he drove on the wrong side of the road and sped up into a council worker.

After being hit, Mr Kasivisuwanathan suffered a broken leg and fractured nose, but further complications meant that the injuries proved fatal and he was pronounced dead some hours later in hospital.

Emanuvel drove away from the scene without stopping and was later stopped by police who noticed his cracked windscreen.

Harrow Times:

The car used in the attack (Picture: CPS)

Sarah Dale, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This death stemmed from planned violence between two groups of men who had driven to Alperton intent on a violent confrontation. Camisan Emanuvel used his car as a weapon, driving on the wrong side of the road at speed – and right into the victim.

“Gopinath Kasivisuwanathan had been standing visibly in the middle of road with his back to the car – he stood no chance of avoiding the car.

“Emanuvel claimed he did not know about the clash between the groups and had innocently driven through the area. On failing to stop after the collision he said did not know he had struck anyone with his car and was simply trying to get to safety.

“Using CCTV evidence of the attack, eyewitness accounts and information from the forensic collision investigator, the prosecution was able to prove that Emanuvel deliberately drove his car at the victim and intended to cause him serious harm.”

Harrow Times:

Gopinath Kasivisuwanathan was killed in the attack. (Picture: CPS)

Emanuvel was convicted of one count of murder today (October 25) following a trial at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced on the same day.

Ms Dale added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Kasivisuwanathan. I hope this conviction provides some comfort to them.”