A man who attempted to murder a stranger in broad daylight in Davyhulme has been sentenced to life behind bars.
Michael Canning has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment.
The 23-year-old was previously found guilty by jury on Friday 1 December 2023, and subsequently appeared at Manchester Crown Street Court yesterday (Tuesday 23 January 2024), where he was sentenced for attacking and attempting to murder someone he didn’t know during broad daylight one day last June.
The distressing incident was said to have taken place at around 5:09pm on 19 June 2023, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and saw Canning attack the male victim with a knife.
The victim, who was a complete stranger to Canning, and was said to have simply been on his way home from work at the time of the incident, ended up sustaining more than 30 wounds during the attack.
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Police say Canning fled the scene shortly after carrying out the attack, and left it to passers-by to call an ambulance for the victim – who was then taken to hospital for treatment.
A man who attempted to murder a stranger in broad daylight in Davyhulme has been jailed for life / Credit: GMP
An extensive police investigation followed the attack, which GMP says included “meticulous” reviews of doorbell and private CCTV footage provided by members of the public that eventually led to identifying Canning as a suspect.
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Canning was arrested and charged for the attack within just days of the offence taking place.
Detective Superintendent Phill Xavier, of GMP’s Trafford District, described Canning’s actions as “ferocious”.
Following the sentencing this week, DS Xavier commented: “This was a ferocious attack on an innocent man who was simply walking home from work – a journey no longer than 15 minutes, and something he would do every day.
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“After being arrested, Canning denied having anything to do with the attack.
“At court, he claimed he did not tell the truth in his police interview, as he had not accepted what he had done, and he claimed he committed the attack because he wanted to be arrested for something. But he went out that day with a face covering, and used a convoluted route back to his home address to evade detection, so I’m pleased the jury paid attention to all the evidence and have rightly found this violent offender guilty.
“Our investigators worked hard to bring Canning to justice, and I hope today’s sentence goes some way to providing some solace to the victim and their family.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
25th January 2024 
