In a shocking incident on January 1, 2024, a father stabbed a man outside The Hub nightclub in Widnes, Cheshire, while his daughter watched and laughed. This 'revenge attack' led to their appearance at Liverpool Crown Court.

Conor McQuade, 44, and his daughter, Charlotte McQuade, 21, were emotional as they bid farewell to their family before being sentenced. The attack occurred at approximately 2am after Charlotte spotted the victim, Lewis Reed, inside the nightclub.

It was revealed that this act stemmed from a grievance dating back to 2020 when Charlotte made an allegation against Mr Reed, who denied it and faced no action. Judge Garrett Byrne noted that the McQuades harbored a “deep-seated grudge” against Mr Reed.

Conor McQuade pled guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of possessing a blade in a public place. Charlotte, however, denied an assault charge but was found guilty following her trial in November.

Phil Tully, representing Charlotte, described her as "vulnerable" and "highly suggestible," citing a troubled childhood filled with trauma as a factor in her mental health struggles. He emphasized that while Conor led the attack, there was no evidence Charlotte participated in the actual assault.

Judge Byrne characterized the attack as opportunistic yet planned, detailing how the defendants communicated about their intentions and how Conor concealed knives to avoid detection by security. The judge underscored the dangerousness of the weapons used and the revenge motive behind their actions.

Conor McQuade, who has an extensive criminal record with 37 convictions, was sentenced to six years in prison, along with an additional two years on license for public safety. Judge Byrne stated that a determinate sentence was inadequate given the dangers he posed.

In sentencing Charlotte, the judge noted her involvement in alerting her father to Mr Reed's presence and indicated that, while she did not wield the knife, she was aware of her father's intentions to inflict serious harm. He acknowledged her good character and youth but ultimately decided against distinguishing her from her father in sentencing.

Charlotte received a five-year prison sentence and both were issued restraining orders prohibiting them from contacting Mr Reed. As they were taken away, Conor and Charlotte embraced, while emotional spectators in the gallery expressed their love for her.