A man took the law into his own hands after his son died by attacking a teen with a machete.
Samson Price appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, April 4, after being found guilty of attempted murder in a six-day trial. He had also pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a knife in a public place.
The court heard how Price's son, Samson Jnr, drowned at Wigan Flash on Sunday, October 4 2020. An investigation into the 18-year-olds death was undertaken by Greater Manchester Police and two teenage boys were arrested – including the victim from the machete attack, Patrick Brown.
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However, no charges were ever brought against the pair, and a coroner has since ruled an open verdict. Price was unhappy with the outcome of the police investigation into his son’s death so decided to "take the law into his own hands" in a carefully planned attack.
In the weeks prior to the attack, Price purchased a tracker which he installed on Mr Brown's car to monitor his every movement. After following him for several weeks, Price decided to confront him on Thursday, September 23 2021 outside a gym on the outskirts of Northwich town centre.
Price arrived at the Leicester Street gym shortly before 7pm and waited outside armed with a machete and wearing a face mask to stop the Mr Brown from recognising him. He then followed the victim as he exited the premises and repeatedly attacked him from behind with the machete.
During the 23-second attack it is estimated Mr Brown was stabbed between 15 and 20 times. Price eventually stopped his attack after Mr Brown fell to the floor covered in blood, he then made off from the scene on foot before getting into a vehicle which was parked nearby.
Police and paramedics swiftly attended and he was rushed to Aintree Hospital where he received lifesaving treatment. After making off from the scene Price went into hiding for ten days, but he was subsequently located and charged in connection with the incident.
After his arrest Price admitted carrying out the attack, he claimed that he had not intended to murder Mr Brown but just wanted to harm him. However, after listening to all of the evidence he was found guilty of attempted murder.
Price, 48, of Sefton Road in Wigan was sentenced to an extended sentence of 33 years imprisonment. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim.
Following the sentencing Detective Constable John Corrigan, formally of Northwich CID, who led the investigation said: “This was an absolutely terrifying ordeal for the victim, and I welcome the sentence that has been handed down today. While I have sympathy for Price following the death of his son, there is no excuse for the actions he took on the night of the attack.
“Price attacked the victim from behind, leaving him totally defenceless, and specifically hit his leg to demobilise him. The attack lasted just 23 seconds, but during that time we estimate that the victim was stabbed between 15 and 20 times – including multiple wounds his head, arms, and right leg.
“I have no doubt that had it not been for the assistance provided to the victim by the public, along with the swift response of officers and paramedics, the outcome of this case could have been very different.”
Chief Inspector Leeroy Moss, head of Northwich Local Policing Unit, added: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in the Northwich area, however I understand that this attack caused shockwaves in the local community. I would like to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle knife crime.
“We will respond robustly to any knife related incidents and do all we can to ensure that anyone found to be carrying a knife or committing a knife related offence is brought to justice. Members of the public also have a vital role to play in our fight against knife crime by giving us information about crimes involving knives and those who carry weapons.”
To report any type of crime involving weapons please contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Information can also be passed to the force online via www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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