Machete Attack in Bolton Shop Leaves Mum and Children Terrified
A mother and her two young children were forced to cower in absolute terror as a man launched a vicious machete attack inside a local shop in Bolton. The violent incident, which unfolded in an off-licence on Kentmere Road in Breightmet, has left the community shaken and resulted in a significant prison sentence for the perpetrator.
Shocking CCTV Footage Captures the Ordeal
CCTV footage from the evening of April 5 last year shows Dale Dean, 27, initially standing calmly beside the till while holding a packet of wipes and using his phone. Meanwhile, a mother and her two children were being served by a shop assistant. The situation escalated dramatically when two other men entered the premises.
Dean is seen cutting through a different aisle before suddenly charging at the newcomers with a large machete. The men attempted to block his path by throwing a shelf in his way, but Dean continued his assault. The terrified mother and children are visible in the corner of the shop, crouching in fear as the violence erupted around them.
Violent Assault and Extensive Damage
The attacker proceeded to slam the machete down toward one man before leaning over the counter and repeatedly striking blows with the blade. He pushed shelves of items onto the floor in his rage, climbed on top of the counter, and lashed out again with the weapon before finally fleeing the scene.
Police later found one man at the scene who had sustained several injuries to his head and shoulder. The victim was rushed to hospital following the incident and was reported to be struggling with sleeping difficulties and ongoing pain, according to court testimony. The inside of the shop also suffered extensive damage during the violent outburst.
Community Impact and Police Response
Following the incident, police noted that other shoppers, including children, witnessed the drama and "must have been extremely frightened" by what they saw. Detective Constable Jordan Brown commented on the case, stating: "This was a shocking and violent incident that left the victim with serious injuries and caused fear within the community. Dean's actions were deliberate, dangerous, and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others."
The detective added: "Dean used or threatened unlawful violence, causing significant fear to those nearby, and was found to be carrying a machete without lawful reason. We welcome today's sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offences. Our officers will continue to take decisive action against those who carry weapons and commit violent offences on our streets."
Court Sentencing and Consequences
Dale Dean, of Upper West Grove in Manchester, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article, and affray. At Manchester Crown Court on Friday, February 20, he was sentenced to six years in prison.
The court also imposed an additional 20-month extended licence period upon his release due to the seriousness of the offence and the danger he poses to the public. This extended supervision period reflects the court's assessment of the ongoing risk presented by the offender even after his prison term concludes.
The violent attack serves as a stark reminder of the impact such incidents have on victims, witnesses, and the broader community, with children particularly vulnerable to the psychological trauma of witnessing such brutality in what should be a safe, everyday environment.
