A direct numerical simulation of subharmonic transition to turbulence in channel flow has been performed. The stages of primary and secondary instability have been identified in the results leading to a staggered pattern of A-shaped vortices. The associated staggered symmetry has been found to persist up to rather late stages of the breakdown process. This symmetry rapidly disappears in the final stage of transition and a developed turbulent now is attained. A pronounced difference in the development between the two channel halves is observed which is consistent with the predictions of secondary instability theory.