Dad and daughter cry in the dock as they are jailed for their crimes

Conor McQuade repeatedly stabbed victim Lewis Reed while his daughter watched and laughed

A father and daughter who carried out a bloody “revenge attack” outside a Widnes nightclub hugged each other in tears while they were jailed. Conor McQuade, 44, and his daughter Charlotte, 21, cried as they said goodbye to their family after being sent back to Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

Both men appeared on charges of assault following a violent incident outside The Hub in Victoria Square at around 2am on January 1, 2024. Conor McQuade repeatedly stabbed victim Lewis Reed, saying “this is what you deserve,” while Charlotte McQuade looked on and laughed.

The father-of-two, who was under the influence of drink and drugs at the time, was called to the scene by his daughter after spotting Mr Reed inside the nightclub. The incident follows an allegation against Mr Reed that Charlotte McQuade made in 2020.

He denied the allegations and no action was taken against him. Judge Garrett Byrne said the father and daughter had a “deep grudge” against Mr Reed.

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Conor McQuade, of Appleby Walk, Widnes, pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of possessing a blade in a public place. Charlotte McQuade, of Lancaster Road, Widnes, denied a similar charge of assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but was found guilty following a trial in November.

Phil Tully, defending Charlotte McQuade, said his client suffered from mental health problems and was “vulnerable”, “highly suggestible and easily led”. He said: “It is clear that she experienced many traumatic events in her childhood which led to her having to deal with mental health issues. Information from Cheshire Police reveals a long history of violence and domestic violence, physical abuse and psychological abuse and neglect.

He said Conor McQuade played the “lead role” in the attack, adding: “She knew her father, at one point, was armed with a gun or a knife and was going to kill her. used to cause serious bodily injury to Lewis. Reed, but there is no evidence that she played any role in the assault.”

Judge Garrett Byrne said: “Although it was opportunistic to some extent, I am satisfied that this offense can be characterized as significant planning. The defendants communicated at length enough to make arrangements for the attempt. They spoke at length outside the venue, Conor McQuade hid the knives so as not to be stopped by security, and you both spoke again outside the pub. You, Conor, have taken steps to get rid of the knives and your phone. A very dangerous weapon was used and the motive is there. you two, it was revenge.”

He sentenced Conor McQuade – who has 37 convictions for 67 previous offenses – to a total of six years in prison, with a two-year license extension to protect the public from any risk of serious harm. He said: “You meet the legal test of dangerousness. A determinate sentence is insufficient to address the risk you present. »

In condemning Charlotte McQuade, he said: “I have carefully considered the arguments made on your behalf, but I do not agree with them. You, through calls and messages, alerted your father to the presence of Lewis Reed. I am convinced that you did this knowing perfectly well what was to happen.

“You had a conversation with him outside. CCTV saw you pointing out to your father where Lewis Reed was standing. Although you had not brandished the knife yourself and may not have known exactly how your father was planning to do so, I’m satisfied that you knew that your father was going to cause very serious injury to Mr. Reed and that this was your intention, so I see no reason to treat you any differently than your father.

“You benefit from significant mitigation. You have good character. There is the issue of your youth – you were 20 at the time of the attack – and you have a low level of maturity. You have expressed genuine remorse for what happened to Lewis Reed . I accept that you had a very difficult upbringing which led to ongoing mental health problems, although I do not accept that your mental health problems had a significant impact on. your guilt.

He sentenced her to five years in prison and also issued a restraining order banning her and her father from contacting Mr Reed. Father and daughter kissed on the docks while they were imprisoned. Members of the public gallery broke down in tears and shouted “I love you Charlotte” as the 21-year-old was led away.