A chilling new documentary has revealed the brutal attempted murder of one woman, following her ex-boyfriend's violent attack on her with an axe, leading to life-changing injuries. The Channel 5 documentary, aired on February 3, 2023, at 9 PM, titled "Murder Suspect No.1," provided an unsettling insightinto the case of Anthony McDonald, 56, from Doncaster, who assaulted his former partner.
The harrowing incident unfolded on April 3, 2022, when the police received multiple reports from concerned onlookers who witnessed McDonald attacking the victim with an axe. McDonald had traveled 25 miles to Goole, Yorkshire, where he lay in wait for the woman, knowing her routine. The attack was described by detectives as targeted, occurring just as the victim was leaving work.
According to police reports, McDonald launched his assault shortly after 5:25 PM, delivering multiple blows to the victim's head, causing significant injuries including bleeding to the brain and fractures. She was airlifted to Hull Royal infirmary, where she spent ten days in an induced coma. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the brutality of the attack, with one such witness stating, "I think I might have killed her, you’d best come quick."
Following the attack, McDonald fled the scene and made chilling phone calls to both his partner and emergency services, where he confessed: "I think I've killed my ex-partner and they're looking for me." A full-scale manhunt ensued, combining the efforts of police helicopters, dogs, and ground staff, which eventually led to McDonald being located by officers.
Upon his surrender to the police, McDonald had cuts to his own neck and wrists, requiring immediate medical attention. Investigation Team Leader Ian Dobson stated, "If you look through everything he’s done, doing a full day at work, driving 25 miles to another town, waiting for her, and committing the attack - he knew what he was going to do. It’s calculated." Detective Inspector Mark Skelton noted the difficulty of proving intent necessary for attempted murder, stating, "Proving murder is easier than proving attempted murder; we had just five hours to establish enough evidence."
The investigation revealed extensive CCTV footage of McDonald, including images just before and after the attack, which helped to create a timeline of his actions. Despite his initial denials during police questioning, the evidence collected led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to move forward with charges of attempted murder.
Nearly three weeks later, at Hull Crown Court, McDonald pleaded guilty to the attack and was sentenced to 21 years behind bars, supplemented by four years on extended license. Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Skelton called McDonald "a dangerous individual who subjected an innocent woman to a horrific and unimaginable attack."
He continued, expressing relief at McDonald’s imprisonment, but lamented the lasting trauma experienced by the victim. "The trauma and pain the woman will continue to face on a daily basis as she tries to navigate through life will be significant. This attack was calculated, brutal, and victimized someone who was entirely defenseless."
The victim, whose identity has been kept private, has been recovering from her injuries and shared her feelings in the documentary. "I was a victim but now I am a survivor. I will bear the visible and mental scars of this horrific and violent attack forever. With the help of my family and friends, I am determined to live my life to the fullest and cherish every moment," she said, urging others suffering from domestic abuse to seek help.
The case has sparked discussions on the issues surrounding domestic violence, and the need for vigilance and support for those caught in abusive relationships. Jeremy Evans, Principal Crown Advocate for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, expressed similar sentiments, calling the attack "sustained, ferocious, and horrific," but credited witnesses and the police for their rapid response and bravery, which likely prevented worse outcomes.
While this incident remains fresh, the airing of the documentary has opened doors for conversations around such violence and its impact. It emphasized the importance of community awareness and intervention, as lives can be drastically altered by domestic violence. The hope is to inspire survivors to speak out and seek the help they deserve, reinforcing the phrase, "You are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust for help."