Man missing after assault conviction

A 40-year-old who has been found guilty of slashing another man down both sides of his face is on the run after failing to turn up at court for his trial.

Peter Hannah from Chester Road in Flint went missing on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The jury found him guilty in his absence of wounding with intent, possessing an offensive weapon and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard Hannah deliberately slashed his victim down each side of his face from his forehead, telling him "take it like a man".

His victim - Stephen Tully - fled to the Asda store in Woodchurch on the Wirral where shocked staff and customers saw him bleeding profusely and dialled 999.

Police say the public shouldn't approach Hannah and say he has links with Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

Detective Inspector Anne Rannard said:

"This was a particularly nasty assault and we are actively seeking Mr Hannah. I would encourage him, or anyone who has any information about his whereabouts to come forward and contact us."
 
Anyone with information should contact 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.