Samson Price jailed for 30 years after machete attack in Northwich

Samson Price Sr, of Sefton Road in Wigan, appeared at Chester Crown Court today (April 4) after being found guilty in February of attempted murder in Northwich.

The 48-year-old carried out a brutal attack using a 16-inch machete outside PureGym Northwich in 2021.

The incident saw a then 20-year-old from Winsford suffer life-threatening injuries on September 23, 2021.

The court heard Price came within ‘millimetres’ of killing his victim, with one of the several wounds inflicted severing his femur bone and only just missing a major artery – which would have led him to bleed out within minutes, doctors said.

Price has now been handed 30 years in prison, plus three years on extended licence.

During the attempted murder trial, the court heard how Price’s son, Samson Jr, drowned at Wigan Flash on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

An investigation into the 18-year-old’s death was undertaken by Greater Manchester Police and two teenage boys were arrested – including the victim from the Northwich attack.

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 the victim’s car to monitor his every movement.

After following him for several weeks Price decided to confront the victim on Thursday, September 23, 2021 outside PureGym in Leicester Street.

The crime scene the day following the attack (Image: Newsquest)

Price arrived shortly before 7pm and waited outside armed with a machete and wearing a face mask to stop the victim from recognising him.

He then followed the victim as he exited the premises and repeatedly attacked him from behind with a machete.

During the attack it is estimated the victim was stabbed between 15 and 20 times.

Price eventually stopped his attack after the victim 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 the scene, and the victim was rushed to Aintree Hospital where he received lifesaving treatment.

Price went into hiding, but later handed himself in.

After his arrest, Price admitted carrying out the attack, but claimed he had not intended to murder the victim and just wanted to harm him and ‘inflict scars’.

However, after listening to all of the evidence, he was found guilty of attempted murder.

Samson Price Sr (Image: Cheshire Police)

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.”