Woman jailed for knife attack on stranger in Penwortham

Friday, 1 May 2026 11:55

By Central Radio News

A woman who launched a knife attack on a man outside a pub in Penwortham, has been given a sentence of more than 10 years.

The victim was a complete stranger to Estelle Whalley, with him suffering stab wounds to his shoulder, head and back.

He had gone to the Black Bull pub, Pope Lane, Penwortham, around 5pm on Saturday 23rd August last year, for drinks with his family.

They were sat on a bench near to the main entrance of the pub, opposite to the car park entrance.

Whalley, 51, walked into the carpark from the main road, came up the family group and asked, ‘have you had a nice day?’.

The victim – man in his late 50s – turned round as he had his back to Whalley and as he did so, Whalley produced a small kitchen knife from her coat pocket and stabbed him.

Whalley remained at the scene until Lancashire Police officers arrived and she was arrested.

The victim was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Whalley, formerly of Hawksbury Drive, Penwortham, pleaded guilty at a hearing in February to Section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Appearing back in the dock for sentence at Preston Crown Court, Whalley was given a sentence of 10 years and two months – comprising six years and two months’ imprisonment and four years extended licence.

Detective Constable Joanna Crichton of Preston CID, said: “This was an unprovoked attack by Estelle Whalley on a man who was a stranger to her.

“He was enjoying a drink with family members when Whalley without warning pulled out a knife and stabbed him three times.

“The consequences of using a knife as a weapon can be devastating, and Lancashire Police will take all reports of knife crime seriously and thoroughly investigate them in order to bring offenders to justice.”