12.8 C
Manchester
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
CrimeRochdale thug jailed for unprovoked attacks on three men

Rochdale thug jailed for unprovoked attacks on three men

A man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for unprovoked attacks on three men in two separate incidents.

Joshua Greenwood (27) of Shaftesbury Drive was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to two offences of causing grievous bodily harm and one offence of causing actual bodily harm.

One of the victims was an 80-year-old dad who had been out in Rochdale enjoying drinks with his son in February 2022, before the pair were set upon in an unprovoked attack.

At around 10pm, the pair were walking along Packer Street, when two men walked past them.

Greenwood began to punch the older man’s in the face and head, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on street furniture. The two men then attacked his son when he attempted to help his father, also punching him to the ground.

A text message received by Greenwood just a few hours before he attacked the pair indicated surprise that he was out again as he had recently stated he “always ended up in town wanting to punch someone’s head off”.

In the days after the assault, Joshua Greenwood was arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences. The other man involved in the second assault earlier pleaded guilty and received a fine.

In November 2021, Greenwood also brutally attacked a man who had been out with friends in Rochdale.

The victim was taken to North Manchester General Hospital and suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures of the eye-socket, cheekbone and jaw, and required corrective surgery from which he is still to make a full recovery.

Serious injuries

Detective constable Russell Clarke said: “Greenwood is unlikely to realise the magnitude of the impact he has had on the victims in this case. He is a man of significant size and on two occasions, he used his physique to inflict serious injuries on people unlucky enough to find themselves within his reach.

“He punched them as hard as he could to the face, completely unprovoked, with absolutely no consideration for the consequences of his actions – consequences which for these victims included life-changing physical, emotional and psychological harm.

“Greenwood behaved this way towards a man in his eighties who was simply out enjoying an evening with his son. Having fractured the eye-socket, cheekbone and jaw of another victim, he is captured laughing and dancing on the dance-floor before leaving the premises. This victim has now had his driving licence revoked by the DVLA as a result of the eye injury he sustained. The attack continues to have a devastating impact on his life.

“During his first suspect interview, Greenwood described himself as a ‘peacemaker’, who could de-escalate situations and prevent violence. When later confronted with evidence indicating he was in fact the opposite, he decided not to answer questions.

“It is hoped that the sentence imposed today is sufficient to ensure Greenwood never inflicts harm like this on anybody again. Greater Manchester Police will do all that is necessary to ensure that those who engage in acts of violence are caught and confronted with the full force of the law.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Bury’s Emm Bee Motorhomes to Showcase Northern Innovation at the UK’s Biggest Leisure Vehicle Event

Bury dealership joins national line-up at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 in Birmingham One of Greater Manchester’s best-known motorhome dealers, Emm Bee Motorhomes, is...

Transform Femme Launch Marks Major Step Forward in Women’s Health Services

Transform, the UK’s foremost clinic for cosmetic and elective healthcare, has launched Transform Femme, an ambitious new initiative designed to deliver exceptional care for...

Manchester Female Entrepreneur Secures Major Research Project for Local Transport

A Manchester entrepreneur committed to making public sector spending more effective has won a significant research contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Dr Felicity Heathcote-Marcz,...

A fifth of homeowners have moving plans ‘on ice’, says new data

One in five UK homeowners say the upcoming November Budget is putting their plans to sell on ice - amid fears of rising mortgage...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Bury’s Emm Bee Motorhomes to Showcase Northern Innovation at the UK’s Biggest Leisure Vehicle Event

Bury dealership joins national line-up at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 in Birmingham One of Greater Manchester’s best-known motorhome dealers, Emm Bee Motorhomes, is...

Hancocks Marks 50,000 Engagement Rings Sold with a Tribute to Manchester’s Love Stories

Hancocks Jewellers, the oldest jeweller in Manchester, is celebrating a landmark moment with the sale of its 50,000th engagement ring – a testament to...

Manchester Female Entrepreneur Secures Major Research Project for Local Transport

A Manchester entrepreneur committed to making public sector spending more effective has won a significant research contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Dr Felicity Heathcote-Marcz,...

Transform Femme Launch Marks Major Step Forward in Women’s Health Services

Transform, the UK’s foremost clinic for cosmetic and elective healthcare, has launched Transform Femme, an ambitious new initiative designed to deliver exceptional care for...

More News

Detective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed detective sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing. Mills was sentenced to 18 months...

Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport. Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street,...

33 arrests, 80 traffic offences and £19,000 of illegal vapes seized in Bury

Officers in Bury made a total of 33 arrests on Thursday, for a range of offences including drug supply and burglary as part of...