Alnwick attack: Meat cleaver assault was 'truly appalling', says detective

The meat cleaver Fenwick used in the attack on an innocent council worker.

The detective who led the investigation into a “truly appalling” attack on a council worker in a case of mistaken identity in Alnwick has said there is no place for violence in our communities.

Detective Constable Suzanne Davies also thanked the people of the town “for the way they have come together and supported officers at every step of this investigation”.

A smashed window on Boxing Day last year led to Northumberland County Council sending out an unsuspecting worker to board up it up.

But in a shocking twist of fate, while working in darkness, he was approached from behind by Bradley Fenwick and viciously assaulted with a meat cleaver.

Bradley Fenwick was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court (top left) to 10-and-a-half years for the attack in Cedar Grove, Alnwick (bottom left).

Emergency services attended the property on Cedar Grove in Alnwick and the council employee was taken to hospital with severe injuries to his hands and face.

An investigation was launched and 28-year-old Fenwick, of Ashington, was arrested the following day.

He pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent earlier this year at Newcastle Crown Court. On Friday (June 25), a judge sentenced him to 10-and-a-half years behind bars.

Det Con Davies said: “There is absolutely no place for violence in our communities.

“This was a truly appalling attack where Fenwick used a weapon to inflict serious injuries on an innocent man who was just doing his job. He proved himself to be a danger to society and there is little doubt that the streets of Northumbria are a safer place with Fenwick behind bars.

“No one would ever expect an everyday task at work to end in such devastation. I want to thank the victim and his employers for working closely with our officers to bring this case to court.

“An innocent man has been left with life-changing injuries and no sentence will ever make up for that. But we sincerely hope this outcome can offer some comfort to the victim, knowing his attacker has been brought to justice.”

Daljit Lally, Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council, added: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression towards our staff, and this was an extremely distressing incident for a council employee carrying out their work.

“We welcome the sentence and thank the police for their hard work in securing the conviction. Thanks also to local people in the Alnwick community for their support."