Man stabs woman in the head during broad daylight in random Manchester attack

Genesis Beresford Edwards sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years

Genesis Beresford Edwards, who was sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years for attempted murder and assault (GMP)

A man has been jailed for life after he stabbed a woman in the head during a random attack in broad daylight in Manchester.

A woman in her 30s, who has not been named, was walking down a road in December 2016 when Genesis Beresford Edwards, 33, approached her from behind while on a bicycle and stabbed her in the head and body repeatedly.

Edwards then walked off, leaving his bike at the scene, while the victim ran home before collapsing and being rushed to hospital.

She suffered injuries including a 4cm-deep wound, a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.

Edwards was arrested on 17 December and in the process assaulted a police officer, causing several fractures to the officer's eye.

Detective Constable Louise Moss, from Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester division, said: “This was a sickening unprovoked attack on a woman as she was simply walking home from the local shop.

“This is everyone’s worst nightmare and although she has recovered from her injuries this shocking attack will never leave her.

“She has been extremely brave throughout this investigation and I want to thank her for her patience and courage throughout this case.”

Edwards was sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years at Manchester Crown Square today for attempted murder and Section 20 assault.