Harlow man who stabbed Essex policewoman in face found guilty

A man has been convicted of stabbing a female police officer in the face with intent in an attack that was described as something “from a Scream film”.

Declan Diedrick attacked officers when they tried to get him to put down a seven-inch (21cm), serrated kitchen knife in Harlow, Essex, on 29 December 2023.

The 25-year-old, of Hull Grove, was found guilty of assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court

“The determination and violence Diedrick showed that night was truly horrifying,” said Det Supt Dan Morrissey.

“One of the officers attacked described Diedrick’s actions as like something from a Scream film.”

Police said they were called to Hull Grove at 17:45 GMT with concerns for a man’s mental health.

An altercation started when they asked him to put the knife down, and he stabbed one of the officers before being handcuffed on the floor, the force said.

The officer needed urgent treatment in hospital for her facial injury, and in a statement to the court she said she had been trying to “help and offer support” to Diedrick.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has praised the officers’ bravery.

Meanwhile, Essex Police Federation chairman Steve Martin said: “Despite the severity of the assault our officers demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism.”

He described the incident as “terrifying” and said it was a “stark reminder” of the dangers officers faced daily.

Mr Martin also praised the “heroism” of a member of the public who helped restrain Diedrick.

A jury found him guilty of causing GBH with intent by majority verdict — of 10 jurors to two — after deliberating for about two days.

Diedrick had already pleaded guilty to assault causing GBH without intent and of possessing a blade in a public place.

He was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, but he was found not guilty of those more serious offences.

Sentencing was fixed for 8 December.