Man pleads guilty to breaking into Congleton address and attacking two people

A man has pleaded guilty to breaking into an address in Congleton and attacking a man and woman inside.

Stuart Whittaker, of no fixed address appeared at Chester Crown Court on 21st October for a trial, but pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, breach of restraining order, section 47 assault, and section 18 wounding.

He will be sentenced on 1st December.

On 12th May this year the 49-year-old forced his way into an address armed with an axe which he had brought to the scene.

The female victim and her friend were in the bedroom at the time Whittaker broke in. Following a struggle Whittaker forced his way into the bedroom and shouted at the woman. Whittaker then spotted her friend and started swinging the axe at both of them.

The man tried to pull Whittaker off balance by grabbing his free hand, but Whittaker swung the axe down on the top of his head causing serious injury.

In a dazed state he tried to grab the axe as Whittaker swung it at his face. He managed to grab the axe and push Whittaker down onto the bed, then kneeled on his arm and pulled the axe from his grip.

He then pushed Whittaker into the bathroom to contain him as she called the police.

Whittaker was arrested and the man was taken to hospital to have the wound on his head treated.

DS Victoria Greenhoff said:

“This was a horrific and violent attack which left both victims traumatised by their ordeal. Thankfully, the victims have recovered physically, but the psychological trauma of being subjected to such violence is more difficult to recover from.

“The female victim in this case has come a long way in her journey to pull through this ordeal. I hope seeing Whittaker face the consequences for his behaviour, and his disregard for the harassment order being dealt with robustly has helped her in some way move on from this truly horrific experience.”

DC Caitlin Clark added:

“Both victims have shown extreme courage in continuing to support the police through this investigation against such a violent perpetrator. I hope this brings them some closure and a feeling of security so that they can get the time and support they need to recover. Without the male victim’s bravery in that terrifying moment, it could have been a very different case. We will all be eagerly awaiting the sentencing.”