Axe attacker tried to murder man over debt

A "brutal" attacker who forced his way into a caravan armed with an axe and a knife before beating a man and threatening to bite his ear off has been jailed.

Joshua O’Dea, 34, of no fixed address, carried out what police described as a "terrifying assault" on Baguley Crescent in Middleton on 14 January.

O'Dea believed the victim - who managed to escape - owed him money, Greater Manchester Police said.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court and was jailed for 27 years for attempted murder.

The victim had been staying at the caravan with a friend when they were woken up by O'Dea banging and shouting at the door, the court heard.

He broke in and attacked the man, beating him and threatening to bite his ear off if he did not pay. He also cut the victim's arm with a knife.

The man escaped with serious injuries and he was found by members of the public, before the police were called and O'Dea, from the Moston area, was arrested.

On top of the 27 years for attempted murder, O'Dea jailed for a further six years for unauthorised possession of a knife or offensive weapon in prison, and possession of an item in prison contrary to the Prison Act 1952.

Det Con Gemma Chauhan said the "horrific assault" could have "cost the victim his life".

"I am pleased the sentence reflects the brutality of O’Dea’s actions and demonstrates the zero-tolerance approach we take to violence and knife crime in Greater Manchester."

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