A terrifying machete attack inside a Bolton shop forced a mother and her children to cower in fear as violence erupted last year.
Dale Dean, 27, was captured on CCTV unleashing a brutal assault inside an off-licence on Kentmere Road, Breightmet, just before 8pm on April 5. The footage, seen by BirminghamLive, shows Dean attacking a man with a large blade amidst a chaotic scene.
Police later found the victim at the location suffering serious injuries to his head and shoulder. He was rushed to hospital and continues to experience pain and difficulty sleeping, a court heard.
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Witnesses, including the mother and her two children shopping at the time, were left traumatized by the violent incident, according to reports from MEN. The CCTV shows Dean initially standing by the till on his phone, holding a packet of wipes, while the family was being served.
Two men then enter the shop, prompting Dean to charge down an aisle with the machete. The men attempt to block his path by throwing a shelf in his way. Meanwhile, the mother and her children shrink back into a corner, visibly terrified, as Dean strikes out repeatedly.
The attacker leans over the counter, delivering repeated blows with the machete, toppling shelves and causing extensive damage before fleeing. He was later arrested and charged following a police investigation.
At Manchester Crown Court on February 20, Dean pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article, and affray. He was sentenced to six years in prison with an additional 20-month extended licence period after release due to the risks he poses to the public.
Detective Constable Jordan Brown described the incident as “shocking and violent,” highlighting the fear it instilled in the community. “Dean’s actions were deliberate, dangerous, and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others,” Brown said. “We welcome today’s sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offences. Police will continue to act decisively against those carrying weapons and committing violence.”