Bank boss 'murdered by drunk stranger in random attack in West End'

11 January 2023, 15:22

Paul Mason, 52, was killed after violent confrontation in 2020
Paul Mason, 52, was killed after violent confrontation in 2020. Picture: Handout/Alamy
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

A British banking executive was 'murdered in a random attack' after he was accused of stealing a phone in West London, a court heard today.

Paul Mason, 52, former CEO at Qatar National Bank, had spent the evening at the Ivy in West London when he was confronted by Steven Allan.

Allan, who had been drinking, accused Mr Mason of stealing a mobile phone before attacking him and knocking him to the ground, the Old Bailey heard today.

Mr Mason tried to get to his feet when he was punched with the blow being described by witnesses as making a "sickening crunch".

His head hit the pavement, prompting doctors to carry out a procedure to replace part of his skull. Mr Mason died six months later on June 4, 2021.

Allan, 34, admits manslaughter but denies murder.

Paul Mason died six months after his injuries
Paul Mason died six months after his injuries. Picture: Handout
Mr Mason was the CEO of Qatar National Bank
Mr Mason was the CEO of Qatar National Bank. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Chilling footage shows husband who murdered his estranged wife buying a knife and stalking up to her home with the blade

Read More: Shopper, 62, 'stabbed for his groceries' in Manchester as police launch manhunt for knifemen

After being approached by Allan, Mr Mason tried to make his way home, but was followed and then attacked, MailOnline reports.

Allan screamed at him: "Where's your fight now?", the Old Bailey heard.

The attack took place near The Ivy in West London
The attack took place near The Ivy in West London. Picture: Alamy

Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC said: "He appears then to lean down towards Mason, who is at the same time trying to shrug him off and move away from the defendant.

"The defendant then punched Mr Mason a second time while he was trying to get back to his feet."

A witness of the attack, Vaki Dhaval, claims he saw Mr Mason telling Allan to "stay away" while putting up his hands in a defensive manner.

The trial continues.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The gas would have to be extracted via fracking

Giant gas field discovered under UK that 'could fuel the country for a decade'

Donald Trump has been accused of 'appeasement'

Ukraine’s future at stake as world leaders gather in Munich - with Trump accused of ‘appeasing’ Putin

Una Crown

Bloody fingernails of murdered widow, 86, help convict killer 12 years after she was stabbed and set on fire at home

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump says he trusts Putin and that Russia should return to G7 - labelling Moscow's expulsion 'a mistake'

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kanye West and Bianca Censori 'split' days after Grammys scandal - as rapper releases bizarre message

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

NASA scientist reveals list of countries that face being hit by huge 'city killer' asteroid the size of Big Ben

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Ukraine admits it 'won't accept' US-Russia deal without seat at table

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Zelenskyy says Trump-Putin deal to end war 'must involve Ukraine'

This illustrative image shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and United States President Donald Trump (right).

Donald Trump is 'setting preconditions for withdrawing from NATO', his former advisor tells LBC

Semina Halliwell

Girl, 12, who died of overdose after reporting being raped was 'betrayed' by authorities, mother claims

Farishta Jami, 36, pictured, pledged allegiance to Islamic State and had a 'clear interest in the use of children in warfare'

British mother, 36, who tried to move family to Afghanistan to become ISIS martyrs found guilty of terror offences

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, 'pinned down' by sergeant 'lost faith' after his only punishment was writing apology letter

Michael Steele, who was jailed for life in 1998 for the killings of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe, can be released from prison, the Parole Board has said.

'Essex Boys' killer Michael Steele to be released from prison 27 years after triple gangland murders

Ukraine 'won't accept any agreements' between Trump and Putin to end war without being involved, says Zelenskyy

Ukraine 'won't accept any agreements' between Trump and Putin to end war without being involved, says Zelenskyy

Naya Rivera

Glee star Naya Rivera's heartbreaking final words to her son before she drowned revealed

Kanye West

There can be no debate about Kanye West - he clearly hates Jewish people and should be challenged on it

The young man was swallowed by a whale

Shocking moment whale swallows kayaker whole before spitting him back out