Widnes man jailed for more than 20 years for attempted murder

A man has been jailed for more than 20 years after he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a woman in Widnes and possession of a bladed article.

Michael Moon, of Rope House Walk, Cherry Sutton, Widnes, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 5 September.

The 39-year-old was sentenced to a total of 22-years imprisonment with an additional four years on extended prison licence.

During the hearing, the court was told that the charges related to an incident that took place at around 9pm on Saturday 4 June on Tabley Avenue.

After drinking a litre of vodka and taking cocaine, Moon drove to Tabley Avenue armed with a large kitchen knife in order to confront his victim, his daughter’s 67-year-old grandmother, Carmel Ratcliffe.

Upon spotting his intended victim, he spoke with her briefly through the window of the vehicle, before exiting his car armed with the knife.

He then repeatedly stabbed her at least 20 times to the head and upper body, continuing to attack her even after she fell to the floor.

Upon walking back to his vehicle Moon shouted that he would “run the victim over” before he turned and threw the knife at the victim, which became lodged into her shoulder.

As the victim began crawling along the pavement in an attempt to escape, Moon drove towards her, mounting the pavement, as he tried to run her over.

Despite the severity of her injuries, the victim managed to move out of the path of his vehicle.

Moon then fled the scene driving at dangerous speeds of 134mph.

Local residents came to her assistance and provided lifesaving first aid treatment.

After being taken directly to Aintree Hospital, she underwent further lifesaving emergency surgery due to the serious injuries inflicted by Moon.

A manhunt was launched, and Moon was arrested later that night in Widnes. He was subsequently charged with attempted murder.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend of the Major Investigation Team, who led the investigation, added: “Today our thoughts are with Carmel and her family who have shown incredible courage and tenacity since the attack, and I thank them for their support.

“Carmel’s remarkable resilience stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the coward who attacked her and who is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.

“This incident was one of the most violent and harrowing attacks my colleagues and I have seen in our careers. All those involved in the incident and subsequent investigation have been truly shocked by the callous and brutal nature of the assault.

“Had it not been for the outstanding bravery of Carmel’s neighbours in providing critical lifesaving first-aid I fear that the outcome for Carmel would have been very different.

“The actions and professionalism of the initial response officers, paramedics, and our NHS colleagues in contributing to the victim’s incredible recovery have meant that she has been able to return to her family as a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother.

“Finally, I would like to thank the officers and staff from teams across Cheshire Police who worked so diligently throughout this investigation, supported by the CPS, to ensure that the offender was successfully brought to justice.”