Anthony McDonald, 56, was seen walking along a train track after committing what police called a ‘targeted attack’ against his ex, who was left with life-changing injuries
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Horrifying case of Anthony McDonald featured in Channel 5 doc
This is the chilling moment a man tells police “I think I’ve killed an ex-partner and they’re looking for me” – after he attacked his ex-girlfriend with an axe in broad daylight.
Aerial helicopter footage caught Anthony McDonald, 56, walking along a train track after he had committed what police called a “targeted attack” against the victim, who was left with life-changing injuries. In the harrowing confessional call, which he made as he walked up and down a train track in Yorkshire, McDonald also told cops that he was “on a train track somewhere” and was going to “commit suicide”.
The case was aired in Channel 5’s new ‘Murder Suspect No. 1’ documentary on Monday night, and told how the truck driver, from Doncaster, drove 25 miles to Goole, Yorkshire, and lay in wait in an alley knowing his ex would pass it on her way home from work, before launching the horrific assault.
The unnamed victim suffered multiple blows to the head and was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary where she was placed into an induced coma for 10 days.
In another chilling call made by a witness at the scene, Anthony was heard saying: “I think I might have killed her, you better come quick.”
On the day of the attack, his ex-girlfriend was asked by paramedics on scene who had attacked her. In a disoriented state, she first replied “no” before regaining conciousness and saying “Anthony McDonald.” It sparked a full scale manhunt for the 56-year-old, who was tracked by police helicopters in the countryside, after having fled the scene of the crime.
He then called the police himself, telling them he was “on a train track somewhere” and was going to “commit suicide.” Responding to an operater who asked if he was on the tracks, he said: “Yes, I’ve got the police helicopter overhead so I’m sure he’ll be able to tell you exactly where I am”, before adding: “I think I’ve killed an ex-partner and they’re looking for me.”
As officers arrived on the scene, Anthony cooperated and began walking towards them, and was then arrested for attempted murder. He had cut his own neck and wrists so had to be given emergency medical attention before being taken to Kingston Upon Hull police station for questioning.
In another horrifying audio, a witness, describing the incident, said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before in my life. He was doing everything in his power, he was possessed, he was a man in a mission. After seeing what I saw, if she’s alive, miracle – that’s an absolute miracle.”
DI Skelton said the suspect’s recognisable high-vis jacket, which he was caught wearing in all CCTV evidence, helped officers in their investigation. He said: “If you look through everything that he’s done, doing a full day at work driving a lorry to then getting in your car and driving 25 miles to another town, waiting, knowing that she’s there and committing the attack – he knew what he was going to do. It’s calculated.”
Further pieces of evidence included a graphic clip of the violent attack. DI Sarah Petrow said of the clip: “It was quite hard to watch. You can clearly see eight or nine blows. I’ve never had an incident captured like that in such detail. It’s shocking. An axe shows your really want to cause someone some significant damage.”
Anthony plead guilty to his crimes before a Crown Court judge. He was jailed for 21 years, with four-years on extended licence.
The victim, who was reportedly still recovering in hospital, told the documentary: “I was a victim but now I am a survivor. I will bear the visible and mental scars of this horrific and violent attack forever. With the help of my family and friends I am determined to live my life to the fullest and cherish every moment. If you are watching this and are in an abusive relationship, please reach out and speak to someone you trust.”
Jeremy Evans, Principal Crown Advocate, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: “This was a sustained, ferocious and horrific attack on an entirely defenceless woman. But for the quick thinking and bravery of the witnesses, and the swift response of Humberside Police, the result could have been still more grave.”
