Northamptonshire constables up for Police Bravery Award after dealing with
domestic violence knifeman
The prestigious annual Police Bravery Awards will this year hear of two Northamptonshire constables who disarmed
a drunk man who was attacking them with a knife.
PC Debbie Wishart and PC Alex Prentice tackled the man after his ex-partner had called police fearing for her safety
because he was banging and kicking on her door.
Despite the man attempting to stab them with a large carving knife, the officers overpowered and arrested him
before he had the chance to inflict serious harm on anyone.
The incident happened at about 6.45pm on Tuesday 25 March 2014 in Scotters‎Walk,‎Corby.‎As‎the‎
officers‎‎approached the address, the man turned to face them and he began to ran toward them with the kitchen
knife.
Both officers used their PAVA spray to try and stop the man but due to his excited state and the amount of alcohol
he had drunk it had limited effect and he kept trying to stab the officers.
While PC Prentice was positioning himself for another attack, PC Wishart ran around the side of the man and threw
stones at him that she had picked up from the floor.
This had the desired effect of momentarily distracting him from the attack on PC Prentice, which presented both
officers with the opportunity of physically overpowering him.
They did this and used their force, body weight and police training to bring the man under control and disarm him
before he could deliver effective blows with his knife.
The man was charged with the offence and has subsequently received a sentence of imprisonment.
Neil Goosey, secretary, Northamptonshire Police Federation, said: “These officers could have retreated to the safety
of their police car, but considered the primary needs of the caller and other members of the public. In doing do they
remained to bring the male under control. It was this decision that showed the devotion to duty and safety, which
the Bravery awards honour each year.”
#policebravery