Hero officer praised for tackling knifeman
ALANCASHIRE Police officer who tackled an aggressive knifeman after he stabbed his partner has been publicly commended by a High Sheriff for his bravery.
James Davies OBE, the High Sheriff of Merseyside, described PC Ben Barnes as “a hero, the best of the best.”
He added: “Your actions remind us of the bravery and risks police officers take day in, day out.”
Liverpool Crown Court heard that his courageous actions occurred on June 27 last year when he was called to a domestic incident at a house in Skelmersdale.
He was approached by Nikita Dale who was upset and said Paul McCarthy had threatened to kill her friend, Katie Walsh.
He tried to call for assistance but his radio was dead. Nevertheless he went inside the house and a hysterical Ms Walsh, who had a wound to her face and who had been stabbed in the calf, pointed upstairs.
“It must have been apparent that the managed to handcuff him. woman’s assailant had used a knife upon Judge Warnock said that in dealing her,” said Judge Robert Warnock, who with McCarthy, who had used a knife sentenced McCarthy to seven-and-ahalf with a ten-inch blade to injure Ms Walsh, years behind bars last October. he had “demonstrated considerable personal
But the officer went upstairs and was courage in a highly dangerous situation.” confronted by McCarthy who was in a highly agitated state. He refused to be PC Barnes’ proud wife was present in handcuffed and told PC Barnes not to the public gallery for the ceremony. touch him. McCarthy, 49, of no fixed address, had
The officer was forced to use his CS admitted assault with intent, making spray on him but to no effect and McCarthy threats to kill and assaulting PC Barnes. was violently swinging his arms Ms Dale also received a commendation around. The officer grappled him away from the High Sheriff for her actions from the top of the stairs and they ended in trying to help her friend escape and up in a bedroom still grappling and they calling the police. fell onto the bed. She was unable to attend the ceremony
He was swinging his elbows and struck but will be sent the certificate of the officer in the face but PC Barnes commendation.