Goole axe attacker sentenced to 25 years

A truck driver from Goole who attacked a woman with an axe, inflicting life-changing physical and psychological injuries, has been sentenced today at Hull Crown Court.

Anthony McDonald (56) pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in public. He was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.

On the afternoon of 3 April 2024, in Goole town centre, the defendant attacked the woman as she left work. 

McDonald inflicted an unprovoked, sustained and ferocious attack on the victim with an axe, striking her nine times with the weapon.  She was left with grave and life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses summoned the emergency services.  The actions of all these people were crucial in saving the victim’s life.

Humberside Police responded extremely swiftly, and the defendant was arrested and disarmed on the scene.

The victim was taken by Air Ambulance to Hull Royal Infirmary where she was treated in the major trauma centre, and put into an induced coma for ten 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.  

“The victim was lucky to escape with her life; indeed, family members at first believed she would not survive. 

“Although she has been left with profoundly life-changing injuries, her bravery throughout is truly  inspiring.

“ Our thoughts remain with the victim  and with her family and friends.  

“We sincerely  hope the sentence imposed today is of some comfort now, and in the difficult years ahead.”