Man pleads guilty following churchyard knife attack which left victim needing 20 stitches to his face

A man has pleaded guilty to slashing another man across the face with a Stanley knife in a churchyard.

Anthony Leather, 46, appeared over video-link at Manchester Crown Court this morning (July 19). He entered guilty pleas to offences of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife.

Police have said the victim, 31, needed 20 stitches to his face following the attack on June 6 this year. It happened in the grounds of St Mary's Church in Eccles town centre, Salford.

READ MORE: Murder accused husband cut wife's throat then tried to kill himself in 'suicide pact', jury told

Leather, of Southway, Eccles, will be sentenced on September 6 following the preparation of a presentence report, which will also address if he is a ‘dangerous offender’ or not under sentencing provisions.

Remanding him into custody, the Recorder of Manchester, Judge Nicholas Dean QC said he can be expecting a lengthy sentence in prison.

Read more of today's top stories here

READ NEXT:

Body of man found at south Manchester water park

Moment unarmed officers take down gunman as children play out on streets nearby

UK heatwave LIVE weather updates as Greater Manchester braces for the warmth once again amid warnings over travel, 41C temperatures and water usage

Man diagnosed with terminal cancer went on crime spree in ‘downward spiral’

The double tragedy that inspired Pride of Manchester winner to set up a charity