Rhyl, Wales — A man was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for a brutal knife attack on two women in a residential area last summer. Matthew Macmillan, 38, received the judgment Monday at Mold Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of attempted murder.
The violent incident occurred on July 3, 2025, when authorities responded to reports of a disturbance on Meredith Crescent around 9 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found two women, aged 82 and 47, suffering from severe injuries inflicted by Macmillan.
According to court documents, Macmillan initially targeted the elderly woman at her home, launching a violent attack that included repeated stabbings and punches. In a desperate bid for safety, she fled to a neighbor’s house, where the younger woman attempted to help. However, Macmillan forced his way inside and assaulted the second victim, throwing her to the ground and threatening her life as he continued to stab her.
The attack ended when police intervened, using a Taser to subdue Macmillan before detaining him. Investigators later recovered two knives from the scene, one of which was damaged from the violence.
Both victims were hospitalized following the attack, with the younger woman suffering multiple stab wounds that resulted in a punctured lung, fractured ribs, and various other injuries. The older woman sustained multiple knife wounds and significant trauma to her head and limbs.
During the court proceedings, Judge Niclas Parry underscored the severity of the attack, imposing a 30-year extended sentence with a minimum of 25 years before Macmillan may be eligible for parole.
Detective Constable Catherine Farrington characterized the assault as a “savage, frenzied and unprovoked attack” on innocent individuals in their own homes. She noted that Macmillan’s actions demonstrated a clear intention to inflict serious harm.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale commended the victims for their bravery during the investigation and recognized the officers whose rapid response likely prevented further injuries or fatalities. “Their quick actions were crucial in saving lives that day,” he stated.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the violence that can occur even in familiar surroundings, highlighting the urgent need for community vigilance and support for victims of such crimes.