Man admits biting woman’s lip off at Notting Hill Carnival

A man has pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent after biting a woman’s lip off and leaving her with life-changing injuries at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Jason Thompson, 42, from Haringey in north London, pleaded guilty to the incident which took place on the first day of the carnival at around 6pm on August 25 last year.

The victim, aged in her 40s, was talking to other women in Portobello Road, close to the junction with Golborne Road, when she was approached by a man she didn’t know, later identified as Thompson.

The victim and her friends were taking a picture when Thompson came in front of them and shoved them.

Another woman left and the victim questioned Thompson. He ran around her and told her he was the devil before head-butting her.

He went to head-butt her for a second time, but instead bit her top lip.

Thompson then left with his cousin, who later came forward to identify Thompson to the police after a national media appeal.

The victim, bleeding heavily and in shock, approached police officers, who escorted her to the nearest first aid post.

She was then taken to a west London hospital where surgeons operated on her face, but she was left with life-changing injuries.

Thompson was charged on September 4, 2019 and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following day.

On February 25, Thompson pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to GBH with intent. He will be sentenced on March 27 at the same court.

DCI Driss Hayoukane, of the Notting Hill Carnival post investigation unit, said: “This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on a woman who has suffered life-changing injuries requiring ongoing surgery.

“The evidence against Jason Thompson was overwhelming, leaving him with no option other than to plead guilty.

“I want to praise the bravery of the victim in this case. I also want to thank members of the public who came forward following the original appeal with crucial information that assisted the investigation team.”