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This is the chilling moment when a knife-wielding killer chased an innocent member of the public who was trying to help.
Andrew Wadsworth, 37, can be seen running after Gerard Bristow, a neighbor who heard screaming and went to help.
Cocaine and alcohol fueled Wadsworth, who had just stabbed his ex-partner Melissa Belshaw to death, then continued his rampage on the street.
It comes when Mrs Belshaw’s family described Wadsworth as a ‘monster’.
In shocking footage shown to the jury during the trial at Manchester Crown Court, Wadsworth can be seen in a thick coat, despite it being a warm summer’s day, wielding a large kitchen knife.
He then stabbed Mr. Bristow repeatedly, nearly killing him before the police arrived.
Mr. Bristow was carrying an improperly delivered package to a neighbor when he heard ‘screams’ from the home on Upholland Road, Wigan.
During the trial, he told jurors that he “had to go and make sure everyone was okay.”
Mr. Bristow described how he saw Wadsworth leave the house after climbing through a broken glass window.
Describing his behavior, Mr. Bristow said: “He did not seem to agree.
“He looked drunk, or maybe he had something to drink, I’m not really sure.
“In the blink of an eye, he just ran over to me.”
Mr. Bristow suffered life-changing injuries and required surgery.
After Wadsworth was jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 32 years, Ms. Belshaw’s family released a statement.
(Image: GMP)
It read: “May 20, 2020, the day our family lost a mother, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, and a friend.
“Nothing will ever be the same. Life as we knew it changed the day that monster snatched Melissa from us, her life was snatched away in a ruthless attack.
“Total and utter loss has destroyed our family; we will never accept his death and our hearts will never heal from the sadness and despair we all feel.
“Every day we think about what happened and we will never understand why Melissa died in such a brutal and senseless way; it is something that we will never come to terms with.
“It breaks our hearts to know that we will never see her again.
(Image: GMP)
“The trial has been an extremely traumatic experience, as we had to sit down and watch every detail of how Melissa was killed.
“The defense continually tried to destroy his memory and showed a total lack of sympathy or sensitivity towards the family and the loss we have suffered.
“Although our hearts are truly broken, the love and support we have had for Melissa gives us the strength to at least try to move on.
“As a family, we welcome today’s result, however it does not bring it back.
“We would like to thank the police and everyone involved for their help and support throughout this investigation, in bringing this case to court and obtaining today’s conviction and sentence.
“Please respect our privacy now at this time.”
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe, GMP Major Incident Support Unit, said: “I would like to start by saying that our thoughts remain with Melissa’s loved ones, particularly her daughter, who witnessed this incident.
“They are understandably devastated by what happened to Melissa. Specialist officers have supported them throughout our investigation and this prosecution. I hope today’s outcome provides them with a sense of justice.”
“I would also like to congratulate the members of the public who tried to intervene. It takes incredible courage to risk your own life to save the lives of others.
“Wadsworth’s attacks on Melissa and the man were extremely violent. The prison is the right place for him.
“I thank the investigation team and partner agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service, for their hard work to ensure that Wadsworth was promptly arrested and now faces justice.
“I hope that during your time behind bars you spend a significant amount reflecting on your despicable actions.”
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