A thug from Tyldesley stabbed a man before viciously attacking a woman two years later in separate crimes labelled "incredibly disgusting".

On the evening of February 12, 2021, Declan Smith was drinking and socialising with three other people at a property in Wigan.

Several hours later, at around 6am the following morning, Smith began arguing with one of the men.

Smith punched the man repeatedly, before picking up a knife from the counter and stabbing him in his side.

When police arrived, Smith told officers his attack was in self-defence, but he was later arrested and charged.

Nearly two years later on January 15, 2023, while Smith was awaiting a court appearance for the attack, police attended an address in Atherton, where a woman said she had been assaulted.

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The woman had significant facial injuries and explained Smith had turned up to her property unannounced after she had returned from a night out.

After pushing his way into the property, Smith attacked his victim over the following hours, leaving her with extensive swelling, bruising, and three fractured ribs.

When the victim was finally able to leave, she received medical treatment and informed police of the incident.

Officers arrested Smith and the victim told the police of her ordeal.

Smith, 26, of Derwent Street, Tyldesley, was sentenced to 12 years at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent

He was jailed for 12 years for stabbing a man before going on to attack a woman, leaving her with facial injuries and fractured ribs.

Smith was jailed on April 12 at Bolton Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to two different types of grievous bodily harm.

Detective Constable Lyndsey Smith, from Greater Manchester Police's Wigan district, said: “Declan Smith committed two incredibly disgusting crimes and I am happy that he now has the four walls of a prison cell to think about his actions.

“Both of the attacks were incredibly violent, but the fact he repeatedly assaulted a woman over several hours, leaving her with multiple injuries, is particularly disturbing.

“I would like to thank that woman’s bravery in talking to us – her courage in helping us put Smith behind bars was truly amazing.

“We will never tolerate such violence in our communities – anyone who engages in such behaviour can expect to have a visit from us.”

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