Exclusive CCTV footage has revealed the terrifying moment a self-styled 'cannibal chef', obsessed with serial killers, smashed his way into a pub to retrieve a sickening 'hit list' of intended victims he had left behind.
The shocking incident, which unfolded at The New Inn pub in Heywood, Greater Manchester, shows Nathan Priestley, 33, using a brick to shatter a window before clambering inside in a desperate attempt to recover his sinister documents.
A Deepening Obsession
Manchester Crown Court heard how Priestley's dark fascination with notorious murderers like Jeffrey Dahmer and Harold Shipman had spiralled into something far more sinister. The chef, who worked at the very pub he broke into, had compiled detailed notes on his macabre interests.
Prosecutor Nicholas Flanagan revealed the contents were deeply disturbing, containing extensive research on cannibalism and serial killers, alongside a specific 'kill list' naming individuals known to him.
The Chilling Discovery
The pub's manager grew suspicious after finding a notebook filled with "graphic and unpleasant" material. Upon realising he had left his vile manuscripts behind after his shift, Priestley panicked.
In the early hours of the morning, he returned to the scene, committing a reckless burglary to get them back, demonstrating the immense value he placed on his twisted plans.
A Troubled Mind
Priestley's defence argued that his actions were a cry for help from a man in the grip of severe mental health crises, including emotionally unstable personality disorder and complex PTSD.
While he admitted to burglary and possessing articles with intent to commit criminal damage, the more serious charge of making a threat to kill was left to lie on file. The court sentenced him to a 12-month community order and rehabilitation requirements, prioritising treatment over punishment.
This case highlights the alarming intersection of mental health issues and violent fantasy, leaving a community shaken and a man in desperate need of help.
