Rhyl man jailed for 30 years for double knife attack

A Rhyl man who launched a frenzied knife attack on two women in their own homes has been handed a 30-year extended prison sentence.

Matthew Macmillan, 38, of Meredith Crescent, appeared at Mold Crown Court today (Monday, 12 January) where he was sentenced for two counts of attempted murder following a brutal assault on 3 July 2025.

The horrifying incident began when Macmillan repeatedly stabbed an 82-year-old woman and punched her to the head and face inside her home on Meredith Crescent. The elderly victim managed to escape and fled to a neighbouring property, where a 47-year-old woman opened her door to help.

Macmillan then forced his way into the second property, where he slammed the younger woman to the floor and launched a savage attack. He stabbed her multiple times with a knife whilst beating and throttling her, repeatedly telling her “you are going to die” as the assault continued.

The attack was only stopped when police officers arrived at the scene and tasered Macmillan before detaining him. Their swift intervention likely saved both women’s lives.

The 47-year-old victim sustained catastrophic injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her face and body, a punctured lung, and fractures to her ribs and shoulder. The elderly woman suffered multiple head injuries along with wounds to her arms, hands and shoulders. Both required urgent hospital treatment.

Officers recovered two blood-stained knives from the scene. One of the knife handles had broken off completely due to the sheer ferocity of the attack on the second victim.

Macmillan entered guilty pleas to both attempted murder charges at an earlier hearing on 12 November. Today, he received an extended sentence of 30 years in prison with a minimum tariff of 25 years before he can be considered for release.

Detective Constable Catherine Farrington said: “This was a savage, frenzied and unprovoked attack on two innocent women inside their own homes.

“Macmillan’s intent to inflict grievous harm to both victims was clear in this deplorable act of violence.

“The court’s sentence rightly reflects the gravity of the harm and distress he caused, and the enduring trauma suffered by the victims.”

DCI Simon Kneale stated: “I commend the bravery of the victims in working with officers to provide a thorough and detailed account of what transpired during this incident.

“We are proud of the swift and decisive response by our officers who intervened to halt the attack, detain the suspect, and in doing so likely saved the victims’ lives.

“Their professionalism and courage ensured that further harm was prevented.

“Our thoughts remain with the two women and their families as they continue their recovery.”

DC Farrington added: “We hope this sentence provides them with a measure of justice and reassurance.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the public and to bring offenders who commit such serious violence before the courts.”