Footage has shown the moment a man laughed while watching video of himself carrying out a fatal attack on a woman who had tried to help him following a car crash in Leicester.
Chukwuemeka Ahanonu, 24, was shown CCTV of the incident during police questioning after the killing of Nila Patel, who died from her injuries in June last year.
During the interview, Ahanonu was seen smiling and laughing as detectives played the footage. When asked why he was laughing, he replied: “If I don’t laugh, I cry.”
He also told officers he could not remember the attack, saying: “I don’t remember killing her, but I need to see it.”
The court heard that Ahanonu had been driving a white BMW through Leicester at speed on the afternoon of 24 June, swerving across lanes and travelling through traffic lights before crashing on Infirmary Road.
The vehicle struck railings and overturned, but Ahanonu was able to climb out of the wreckage.
Nila Patel, who had been travelling on a bus nearby, got off to assist after witnessing the crash.
Prosecutors said that after fleeing the scene, Ahanonu launched an unprovoked attack on her.
He punched, kicked and stamped on her head as she lay on the ground.
Members of the public and nearby hospital security staff intervened, restraining him until police arrived. He then attempted to flee but was pursued and detained by officers.
Ms Patel suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries. She died in hospital two days later.
A jury at Leicester Crown Court found Ahanonu guilty of her murder.
Toxicology results showed he had been driving under the influence of cannabis, with levels more than three times the legal limit.
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC told the court that voluntary intoxication does not negate intent in a murder case.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts said Ahanonu was unknown to Ms Patel and described the incident as a random and violent attack on a member of the public.
In a statement, Ms Patel’s children described her as “quiet, gentle, funny, kind, loving and deeply caring”, adding that her death had deprived their family of future milestones.