In a chilling incident reminiscent of a horror movie, a female police officer, standing at 5ft 2in, was viciously attacked by a towering 6ft 4in knifeman while responding to a call. The harrowing encounter unfolded in a terraced house in Harlow, Essex, where PC Hollie Matthews and acting Sergeant Gemma Sandy confronted the assailant, identified as Declan Diedrick, who was wielding a seven-inch kitchen knife.
Despite PC Matthews’ brave attempts to disarm Diedrick, the situation quickly escalated into a violent struggle. The chaos spilled from the hallway to the kitchen and eventually to the garden, where PC Matthews narrowly avoided a life-threatening injury to her face, with the knife grazing above her ear. The assailant was eventually subdued with the help of additional officers and a courageous member of the public.
Following the conviction of the attacker, Detective Superintendent Dan Morrissey of Essex Police expressed shock at Diedrick’s extreme violence, likening his actions to a horror film. Superintendent Tony Atkin praised the bravery of the officers involved, highlighting the grave risks they face in the line of duty.
Diedrick, aged 25, was sentenced to five years in prison with an extended license period of three years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard that his family had attempted to seek professional help for his mental health issues stemming from a previous psychotic episode. PC Matthews, a mother of two, endured physical and emotional trauma from the attack, leaving her with a permanent scar and ongoing psychological distress.
In a poignant statement, PC Matthews described the lasting impact of the incident on her life, emphasizing the psychological toll and the challenges of returning to frontline policing. The court also learned that Diedrick had assaulted Sergeant Sandy during the confrontation, prompting reflections from PC Matthews on her tactical decisions during the ordeal.
Judge Charles Bourne emphasized the critical role of police officers in maintaining public safety and urged Diedrick to avoid substance abuse upon his release. The sentence received strong support from Steve Martin, chairman of Essex Police Federation, who underscored the zero-tolerance stance against assaults on law enforcement officers.