Jealous Rage Ends in Fatal Stabbing: Rhys Austin Jailed for Life
Rhys Austin, 23, from Poulton Road, Fleetwood, is behind bars for at least 23 years after stabbing Danny Wise to death in a brutal attack.
Morning Murder Outside Building Site
At 8.05am on June 24, 2020, police were called to Mowbray Place near a building site on Laidleys Walk following reports of an assault. Emergency crews found 32-year-old Danny Wise with a serious neck wound. He was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but died later.
Austin was caught on the spot, detained by passersby until police arrived. Detectives quickly launched a murder inquiry.
Social Media Spat Sparks Deadly Confrontation
- CCTV shows Austin cycling to the site around 7am asking for Danny Wise
- Returning an hour later, Austin met Mr Wise and a verbal showdown ensued
- Austin threw down a hammer and emptied his pockets as if unarmed
- Then, in full view of colleagues, he pulled a knife and stabbed Danny in the neck
Mr Wise tried to walk away but collapsed. A post mortem confirmed death from a single stab wound.
Detective Describes ‘Premeditated, Cowardly Attack’
“This was a crime driven by jealousy,” said Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis. “Austin wrongly believed Danny had an interest in his girlfriend and confronted him armed with a hammer and knife. He deliberately tricked Danny by discarding the hammer before delivering a savage, fatal stab.
“It was a planned, cowardly attack and Danny had no chance. Thankfully, Danny’s workmates acted heroically, disarming and restraining Austin until police arrived, undoubtedly stopping further harm.”
“Austin’s jealous rage led to this tragic murder. Despite abusive social media messages between them, only Austin chose to arm himself and carry out this vicious attack.”
Austin denied the charge but was found guilty after trial and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years.
