Brute behind bars for cleaver attack on cops

A Wishaw thug left two terrified police officers fearing for their lives and permanently disfigured during a brutal attack.

David Dowson turned on PCs Josh McCorry and Glenn Coletta in Wishaw on June 14 last year, chopping off part of one of their thumbs and permanently disfiguring the other.

A judge heard this week how both constables have been l eft badly traumatised by the crazed 26-year-old’s attack.

Dowson was later heard boasting in the street: “Aye, I chopped your cops with a cleaver.”

The shocking incident emerged as he appeared via video link for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

He pled guilty to attempting to murder PC McCorry, who lost part of his thumb during the attack.

He also admitted assaulting PC

Coletta to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and endangerment of his life.

The court heard how the officers turned up at Greenfield Drive, Wishaw, to escort a child back home.

Dowson suddenly appeared and claimed he would take the youngster.

The thug then stated: “I’ll put holes in both of you. Come to my gaff and see what happens.”

Dowson was warned about his conduct before PC Coletta went with him to a block of flats nearby where he lived.

But, Dowson then grabbed the constable before pulling out the meat cleaver.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron said: “He raised it above his head before striking down towards PC Coletta’s face.”

The officer managed to break free before PC McCorry raced into the close. Dowson then pounced on PC McCorry by repeatedly punching and kicking him.

Both constables hit Dowson with their batons, but he continued to lash out.

The thug went into his home before returning with the cleaver.

Miss Barron: “He used it full force to bring the weapon down onto PC McCorry’s head causing him to fall into a wall and then onto the ground.”

PC McCorry bravely tried to defend himself, but was struck again.

PC McCorry got away via a close door while his colleague made a six-foot jump out of a window.

Other officers soon arrived on the scene and Dowson was ordered to get on the ground after he left his home.

He meantime yelled at people standing nearby: “Cops tried to get into my house without a warrant so I went at them with a cleaver. “

Court heard how the tip of PC McCorry’s right thumb had been sliced off and he also suffered a head wound.

The hand injury continues to affect his job. PC Coletta suffered severed tendons and a fracture in his right hand. He is scarred for life.

Tony Graham QC, defending, also paid tribute to the officers.

He told the court : “It is a credit to both that they returned to active service after what would have been a terrifying incident.”

Sentencing was adjourned for reports and Dowson was remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, Lanarkshire’s top cop has welcomed the conviction.

Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, said: “I would like to commend the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.

“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack. Not only were these two officers doing their job, they were actually helping a 10-year-old boy at the time.

“Any violence towards our officers is outrageous and disgraceful and will not be tolerated.

“This can cause physical and psychological harm to those who are dedicated public servants. It should not be part of the job.”