Ellesmere Port man convicted of the attempted murder of his Mother

A 48-year-old man has been found guilty of attempted murder and section 18 assault after stabbing his mother and her neighbour outside an address in Ellesmere Port.

Marc Weaver was found guilty following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Wednesday 5 July.

Weaver, of Cumeragh Lane, Preston, has since been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 30 August. 

Sometime around midnight on Monday 11 July 2022, the victim, a 73-year-old woman, arrived at her home address on Hope Farm Road after being out to play bingo with her friend.

Unbeknownst to the victim, her son, Marc Weaver, was waiting for her to return home. As she pulled onto the driveway, he opened the car door and stabbed her multiple times while she was sat in the driver’s seat.

Two of the victim’s neighbours were awoken by the sounds of screams and a car horn.

The first neighbour, on seeing the commotion from his bedroom window, ran over and grappled with Weaver in a bid to save the victim. He was bitten by Weaver in the process.

The second neighbour then tried to assist before being stabbed in the leg by Weaver.

Weaver then fled the scene, leaving his mother and her neighbours badly injured.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the victim was taken to Aintree Hospital and rushed into surgery to work on the critical injuries the stabbing had caused, including a puncture to her windpipe. Her neighbour was also taken to surgery for his injuries.

An investigation was launched which revealed that Weaver had taped two knives together to use as a weapon during the attack. As a result, both victims had sustained double puncture wounds.

Weaver was quickly located and arrested nearby, he was subsequently charged with the attempted murder of his mother, as well as section 18 assault on her neighbour.

Detective Inspector David Hutcheon said:

“This is a devastating case that has had a huge impact on the families involved, as well as our local community.

“We still don’t know the reasons behind why Weaver stabbed his mother that day as he refused to answer any questions on interview despite our detectives’ best efforts to find out what had triggered such a violent, life-threatening incident.

“What we do know is that one single action left a woman, his mother, betrayed and fighting for her life in hospital as surgeons and nurses worked to save her.

“The outcome of this attack would have been very different if it wasn’t for the victim’s neighbours intervening and the first aid provided by the officers who were first on the scene.

“All three victims are still recovering from the emotional trauma of such an incomprehensible act, but I hope seeing Weaver brought to justice will help them and their families find closure in some way.

“I’m pleased to say that our investigation has resulted in the incarceration of a dangerous, violent offender who has used a knife in such a terrible way.”