Teen Hammer Attack Leaves Man Blind in Shocking Nantwich Assault
A brutal hammer attack in Nantwich has left a 40-year-old man blind after a vicious assault inside a flat on Arnold Street. The victim suffered up to 12 hammer blows in just two minutes, leaving him badly beaten and covered in blood.
Horrific Beating Left Victim Unrecognisable
Detective Inspector Claire Jesson of Crewe CID described the attack as “truly horrific and distressing.” The victim’s injuries were so severe he could only be identified by a tattoo. After the assault, he was left alone in a bedroom in intense pain, discovered four hours later thanks to an anonymous police tip-off.
“He was beaten so brutally that he was left unrecognisable and could only be identified by his tattoo – and then he was left alone in a room in severe pain with horrific injuries,” said DI Jesson. “I am pleased the jury found Halliwell guilty and justice has been served. The victim’s life has changed forever, and he will never regain his sight.”
Teen Fled Scene, Tried to Cover Tracks
The attack happened on Sunday, 26 July 2020, when the victim arrived at the flat where teenager Halliwell was dealing drugs. A dispute over a debt escalated into violence. Moments after the attack, Halliwell snapped a photo of the badly injured man, then fled.
He ran to a nearby address, called a taxi, and sent the photo on social media within minutes. Two women later found the victim lying helpless in the flat. Police only found him after an anonymous call at 8.20pm.
Police Hunt Leads to Arrest and Trial
A forensic and CCTV investigation tracked Halliwell to Gorton, Manchester, where he was arrested on 31 July 2020. He had tried to burn his clothes, but police found a jacket with the victim’s blood. Halliwell was charged with attempted murder, while a second man was cleared.
This savage attack has left a man seriously disabled and a community stunned. The victim faces a lifelong battle to recover.
