Man found guilty after stabbing policewoman in face

In an assault that was described as something from a Scream film, a man was found guilty of stabbing a female police officer in the face with intent. Declan Diedrick assaulted officers in Harlow, Essex, on December 29, 2023, as they threatened to force him to put down a seven-inch (21cm) serrated kitchen knife. After a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, the 25-year-old man of Hull Grove was found guilty of assault causing serious bodily harm (GBH).

Diedrick's behavior looked like something from a Scream movie, according to one of the officers wounded.

They were called to Hull Grove at 17:45 GMT with questions regarding a man's mental stability, according to police. According to the force, an altercation began when they begged him to put the knife down, and he stabbed one of the officers before being handcuffed on the ground. The officer needed urgent care in hospital for her facial injury, and she said in a court statement that she had been trying to help and assist Diedrick.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has lauded the officers' bravery.

Our officers displayed extraordinary courage and professionalism throughout the assault,

Essex Police Federation chairman Steve Martin said. He described the occurrence asterrifyingand said it was astark reminder

of the dangers officers faced every day. Mr Martin also lauded the

heroism" of a member of the public who helped restrain Diedrick. After deliberating for about two days, a jury found him guilty of causing GBH with intent by majority verdict — from ten jurors to two. Diedrick had already pleaded guilty to assault causing GBH without intention and in possession of a blade in a public place. He was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, but he was not found guilty of those more serious charges. Sentencing was fixed for 8 December.

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