Dean Daniel, 43, brutally attacked a pregnant woman on her birthday after threatening her friend with a lump hammer and a machete-style blade. The incident occurred on December 28, 2025, at Daniel's home on Bell House Road, Widnes.
Background of the Relationship
At Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, July 17, prosecutor Martyn Walsh stated that Stacey Sergeant and Daniel were in a short relationship during autumn 2025. Ms Sergeant was homeless and stayed with Daniel, leading to a sexual relationship that resulted in pregnancy. She discovered she was pregnant in December, after leaving Daniel's home, but visited him to share the news and stayed for five days.
The Attack
On December 28, Ms Sergeant's birthday, her friend Matthew Randalls visited with wine. Ms Sergeant had only a small glass of Baileys due to her pregnancy. Daniel became aggressive after consuming alcohol, accusing Mr Randalls of finding Ms Sergeant attractive, calling him a "nonce," and threatening him with a large knife and a lump hammer. The pair left, but Ms Sergeant returned and was assaulted by Daniel, who battered her head, body, and limbs, causing bruising to her face, eye sockets, hip, and legs.
Court Proceedings
Daniel pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place. Richard Orme, defending, noted Daniel had been remanded in custody since December and that Ms Sergeant had broken into his home during that time, squatting and stealing property. He requested a community order, stating Daniel had been in custody for six months and 18 days, equivalent to a 13-month sentence. He added that Daniel needs help and is ready to address his issues.
Sentencing
Recorder Andrew Vinson imposed a 24-month community order with 20 rehabilitation days and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He also issued a restraining order prohibiting Daniel from contacting Ms Sergeant and Mr Randalls for six years. Vinson stated, "The submission made on your behalf is that I should proceed not to a period of prison, but to a community order. I take the view that's a more appropriate punishment in this case."
