Accrington man who seriously injured victim after launching vicious machete attack jailed

Martin Gilheaney, 21, attacked a 34-year-old man in Manchester Road, Accrington, at around 6.15am on December 4, 2021.

The victim suffered wounds to his head, torso, legs, arms and hands, with the incident captured on CCTV.

Gilheaney, of Duncan Square, Accrington, pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed weapon.

He was sentenced to six years and eight months in jail by Judge Richard Gioserano at Preston Crown Court on Monday (August 8).

DC Kiren Shah, who led the investigation, said: “We welcome the sentence imposed by the judge.

“We treat crime involving weapons and knives with the utmost seriousness, it won’t be tolerated.”

Gilheaney and his victim went their separate ways following an altercation in Warner Street prior to the machete attack.

But Gilheaney’s vehicle was then seen circling the area, with CCTV later capturing the 21-year-old chasing the victim in Manchester Road.

Gilheaney then attacked him, inflicting “several hacking-type blows” with the machete.