Man jailed for attempted murder after axe attack

Anthony McDonald, 56, waited for his victim to leave work before he attacked her with an axe

A truck driver has been jailed after he attacked a woman with an axe in Goole town centre.

Anthony McDonald struck the victim nine times on 3 April, leaving her with life-changing physical and psychological injuries.

He was sentenced to 21 years in prison plus an additional four years on extended license at Hull Crown Court.

McDonald, 56, of Ascot Avenue, Cantley, Doncaster pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in public.

Humberside Police received multiple calls reporting a woman had been attacked with an axe

Humberside Police described it as a "targeted attack", and said McDonald had waited for his victim to leave work before following her.

Witnesses called emergency services and McDonald fled the scene, leading to a large-scale manhunt.

The victim was taken by air ambulance to Hull Royal Infirmary and treated in the major trauma centre. She was put in an induced coma for 10 days.

Jeremy Evans, Principal Crown Advocate, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: "This was a sustained, ferocious and horrific attack on an entirely defenceless woman.

"But for the quick thinking and bravery of the witnesses, and the swift response of Humberside Police, the result could have been still more grave."

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