Dad and Daughter Tearfully Jailed for Bloody Revenge Attack Outside Nightclub
A father and daughter were tearfully jailed after carrying out a bloody “revenge attack” outside a Widnes nightclub in the early hours of January 1, 2024. Conor McQuade, 44, and his daughter Charlotte, 21, were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after a violent incident in Victoria Square that left victim Lewis Reed seriously injured, reported by Cheshire Live.
The attack took place outside The Hub nightclub at around 2 am when Conor McQuade, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, repeatedly stabbed Reed, telling him “this is what you deserve” while Charlotte watched and laughed. Charlotte had called her father to the scene after spotting Reed inside the nightclub, a confrontation stemming from a 2020 allegation made by Charlotte against Reed, which he denied and led to no action being taken.
Judge Garrett Byrne explained that both father and daughter harbored a “deep-seated grudge” against Reed, which culminated in the violent attack. Conor McQuade, of Appleby Walk, Widnes, pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of possession of a blade in a public place. Charlotte McQuade, of Lancaster Road, Widnes, was found guilty of assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial in November, despite denying the charges.
Charlotte’s defense attorney, Phil Tully, spoke about her mental health struggles and challenging childhood, explaining that she was “vulnerable, highly suggestible and easily led.” He argued that while she was aware her father had a weapon, she did not actively participate in the attack. However, Judge Byrne disagreed, stating that the attack appeared to be premeditated, with both Conor and Charlotte taking steps to plan and execute the assault. He highlighted that Conor hid the knives and disposed of evidence after the incident.
Conor McQuade, who has 37 convictions for 67 past offenses, was sentenced to six years in prison, with an additional two years on license due to his dangerousness. Judge Byrne stated, “A determinate sentence is insufficient to address the risk you pose.”
Charlotte McQuade was sentenced to five years in prison. While acknowledging her difficult upbringing and mental health issues, the judge said he couldn’t treat her any differently from her father, as she had actively aided in the planning of the attack. A restraining order was placed on both defendants, banning them from contacting Reed.
As they were sentenced, the father and daughter embraced in the docks, with onlookers breaking down in tears and shouting “I love you Charlotte” as she was led away.