6ft 4in Knifeman Jailed for Stabbing Tiny Police Officer in the Head
A towering 6ft 4in thug has been locked up for five years after savagely stabbing a tiny police officer in the head during a violent showdown in Harlow, Essex. Declan Diedrick, 25, viciously attacked PC Holly Matthews, who stands just 5ft 2in, leaving her with a deep head wound and a permanent scar.
Knife Rampage Caught on Bodycam
Dramatic bodycam footage reveals Diedrick brandishing a bread knife as officers respond to a 999 call at a terraced house. PC Matthews yelled, “Put the knife down, put the knife down,” before wrestling the blade from the knifeman.
The fight tore through the hallway, kitchen, and garden. A family friend tried to hold back Diedrick, while Sgt Gemma Sandy, who had forgotten her taser, attempted 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 savage 60-second ordeal ended when officers finally restrained and cuffed Diedrick. PC Matthews was rushed to hospital and now bears a permanent scar from the attack.
Officer Haunted by Nightmares and Pain Two Years Later
PC Matthews speaks openly about the lasting trauma. “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 revealed in a victim impact statement.
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 stokes anxiety about returning to a job that nearly cost her life.
Sgt Sandy Battles Guilt Over Forgotten Taser
Sgt Gemma Sandy admitted she forgot to bring her taser that day, a fact that haunts her with recurring nightmares and guilt. “I don’t want others to think I’m not capable,” she said, worried about her standing among police colleagues.
Judge and Police Federation Praise Officer Bravery
Judge Charles Bourne commended the officers’ courage in court: “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 thanks to 707 days spent on remand. The judge warned him: avoid illicit drugs after cannabis-induced psychosis triggered his savage attack.
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Sparks Brutal Assault
Diedrick’s violent rampage was driven by a six-month cannabis-induced psychosis. Despite his family’s desperate attempts to get him professional help, mental health services failed to act.
His deep-seated hatred of police, rooted in a troubled childhood and time in care, exploded into violence when officers arrived at the scene.
Police Federation Highlights Daily Danger Facing Officers
Essex Police Federation chairman Steve Martin stressed the incident exposes the brutal risks officers face every day, especially during mental health crises. He pointed out how PC Matthews’ small stature left her dangerously vulnerable against her towering attacker.
