By PATRICK HARRINGTON

Published: 19:37 GMT, 31 December 2025 | Updated: 21:24 GMT, 31 December 2025

A man has been charged with murdering a football-loving 'family man' who was mowed down by a car near a magistrates' court in London at the start of December.

Shakaine Dwyer, 29, of Willesden in north-west London, was arrested the day after the death of Ruben Nunes, 34, from Peterborough, and initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

However, the charge against him was on Monday upgraded to murder.

He will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrate's Court on January 19. 

A second man, Gregory Ejiofor, 31, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in connection to the investigation.

Earlier this month, the Met said a 32-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but was released on bail.

Police, ambulances and the fire brigade rushed to outside Willesden Magistrates' Court on December 3 to reports of a car colliding with pedestrians.

Despite the best efforts of medics, Mr Nunes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ruben Nunes, 34, died after being mowed down by a car near Willesden Magistrates' Court at the beginning of December

A mangled car at the scene

In a tribute, Mr Nunes's family family described him as 'a family man - a son, a brother, an uncle, a father and a partner'.

They said: 'He was true to his friends and cherished the people around him. He loved football and was a big Liverpool fan.

'Ruben had a light within him - he brightened the lives of everyone he touched. 

'He was deeply loved by all who knew him and he will always be remembered as a truly blessed soul.'

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses and those with any information or dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident.

This includes the period before and after the collision. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or use the Met's portal.