A towering 6ft 4in knifeman has been locked up for five years after viciously stabbing a tiny police officer in the head during a violent scrap in Harlow, Essex. Declan Diedrick, 25, left PC Holly Matthews, just 5ft 2in, with a horrific head wound and a permanent scar following the December 29, 2023 attack.
Knife Rampage Caught on Bodycam
Bodycam footage showed Diedrick brandishing a bread knife as officers arrived at a terraced house responding to a 999 call. PC Matthews shouted, “Put the knife down, put the knife down,” before wrestling the weapon away.
The fight spilled from hallway to kitchen and outside into the garden, with a family friend trying to hold back Diedrick. Sgt Gemma Sandy, who had forgotten her taser, tried to intervene but was grabbed by the neck. Moments later, Diedrick plunged the knife into PC Matthews’ head just above her ear, narrowly missing her eye.
The brutal 60-second ordeal ended with Diedrick restrained and cuffed. PC Matthews was treated in hospital and left with a permanent scar.
Officer Haunted by Nightmares Two Years On
In a victim impact statement, PC Matthews revealed the brutal attack still haunts her. She said, “I lost so much hair. I now have headaches and the scar hurts. The scar will remain, as will the events of that day in my mind.”
She added, “I struggle to sleep. I have nightmares and wake up with the image of your angry face. Under the uniform I am a person – a human being – now a victim.” The trauma fuels anxiety about returning to work after nearly being killed while simply doing her job.
Sgt Sandy Battles Guilt and Nightmares
Sgt Sandy confessed she’d forgotten to bring her taser that day, fueling her recurring nightmares and guilt. “I don’t want others to think I’m not capable,” she said, worried about her reputation among police colleagues.
Judge and Police Federation Praise Officers’ Courage
Judge Charles Bourne saluted the officers’ bravery in court, saying, “We all depend on police who go out with no idea what to expect, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe.”
Diedrick showed no emotion as he was sentenced but could walk free in just over a year due to 707 days on remand. The judge warned him to avoid illicit drugs after his cannabis-induced psychosis sparked the savage attack.
Cannabis Psychosis Triggers Horrific Assault
Diedrick’s violent episode was caused by a six-month cannabis-induced psychosis. Despite his family desperately seeking professional help, mental health services failed to intervene. His long-standing hatred of police, rooted in a troubled childhood and time in care, exploded into violence when officers arrived.
Police Federation Warns of Daily Dangers
Essex Police Federation chairman Steve Martin said the attack highlights the violent risks officers face every day, especially when dealing with mental health crises. He noted how PC Matthews’ small frame gave her a dangerous disadvantage against Diedrick’s massive size.
