Dad stabbed rival in the neck with machete as part of bitter TikTok feud

22 August 2023 , 06:37

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Billy Kelly has been declared 'dangerous' by a judge (Image: Greater Manchester Police WS)

A dad stabbed a man in the neck with a machete after being challenged in an 'abusive' TikTok video.

Billy Kelly launched the vicious attack on his victim after showing up outside his home in Hulme, Manchester in the early hours. Kelly, 38, and the victim had been embroiled in a bitter feud at the time of the 'revenge' attack where the dad-of-two had been challenged to a 'straightener'.

He was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an article with a blade or point following a trial earlier this year and on Friday handed an extended sentence for public protection. A judge at Minshull Street Crown Court declared Kelly 'dangerous'.

Daniel Calder, prosecuting, told the court that animosity had been brewing between Kelly and the victim in the build-up to the attack, Manchester Evening News reports. In a video shared on TikTok, the victim was abusive towards Kelly and asked for a 'straightener', he said.

The victim said he feared he was going to die following the brutal attack (ABNM Photography WS)

In the early hours of February 7 of last year, Kelly turned up at the man's home armed with a machete. He swung the weapon at the victim a number of times, inflicting a number of serious injuries including a 10cm deep wound to the neck.

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In a statement read out in court, the man said he 'thought he was going to die' and that 'everything changed' following the attack before being rushed to hospital. He said he had received threats on his life and had been forced to move away from the area to feel safe.

Kelly, of no fixed abode, has 26 previous convictions for 40 offences, including robbery. Daniel Lister, defending, told the court there was 'another side' to Kelly and he was 'remorseful' for what had happened. "He has a long-term partner who has supported him throughout the trial," he added. "He is a well-liked and supportive member of the local community."

Passing sentence, Judge Tina Landale said there had been an 'element of revenge' to the attack, adding that Kelly had shown a 'dogged determination to cause serious harm' to the victim. She handed him an extended sentence, comprised of a jail term of eight years with an extra two years on licence. "You are clearly an impulsive person and appear to consider violence as an acceptable method to resolve perceived problems," the judge added.

Thomas George