Warren Evans, 35, has been sentenced to two years in prison for slashing a man in the arm during a confrontation that began when his father chased a woman in her car. The incident took place on June 5, when Hayley Barrow was driving with her two children and a white van swerved in front of her car in an attempt to intimidate her.
Confrontation escalates
Ms Barrow recognised the driver as Evans' dad, who followed her back to her home. Her partner, Paul Barrow, came out of the house, and the defendant's dad continued to insult them. Christopher Ackers, a friend of the Barrows, then told the defendant's dad not to speak to a woman like that.
Evans' dad left the scene but returned at around 6.45pm with his son. The pair ran towards the Barrows' home before Evans shouted to Mr Barrow "you're alright coming in on the bounce" before seeing Mr Ackers and shouting "There is Christo". Evans and his dad then ran at Mr Ackers and began to rain down punches.
Knife attack and sentencing
Ms Morley said Evans punched Mr Ackers to the arm, who pulled back and saw blood pouring out from a deep laceration. Mr Ackers did not see what had happened, but Ms Barrow later recalled seeing Evans pull out a knife before slashing towards his target. Paramedics took Mr Ackers to Aintree University Hospital for treatment to the 10cm wound.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Charlotte Crangle told Evans: "You were slashing out with the knife regardless of where it was going to land. Those taking a knife to a situation are responsible for whatever happens." Evans, of Princess Drive in West Derby, was initially charged with section 18 wounding with intent but pleaded guilty to the alternative section 20 wounding and possession of a bladed article.
Previous convictions and defence
The court heard Evans had eight convictions for 13 offences, including a previous case of possession of a blade in 2017, as well as convictions for drug supply and violent disorder. Paul Becker, defending, said Evans' experience of prison had been rewarding because "he has tried to help other people in the process," adding that Evans had been a model prisoner and played a role in shaping a new prisoner induction programme at HMP Liverpool.
Evans, who had a partner with three children, had a history of substance abuse dating back to 2007 but had been drug-free throughout 2026. He previously worked as a mechanical fitter at power stations and had an offer of a job in roofing. Appearing via prison video link, Evans was sentenced to two years in prison and made subject to a five-year restraining order against Ms Barrow.
