Brave PCs nominated for national award

TWO South Yorkshire Police officers who were seriously injured by an axeman have been nominated for this year’s National Police Bravery Awards.

Sheffield officers PC Lisa Bates and PC Mark Garrett attended what they thought was a routine call in April last year when they were set upon by an incredibly violent man.

The assailant punched PC Garrett, tried to strangle him, then armed himself with an axe and began to chase both officers. They had deployed PAVA but his aggression and intent towards the officers was clear, according to the force; he wanted to inflict serious injury and was totally out of control.

He attacked PC Bates with the axe, leaving her with a fractured skull and severed finger, and fearing for her life, among a number other injuries. She broke her leg as she threw herself down a flight of stairs in a bit to escape.

PC Garrett was also badly injured during the incident.

A member of the public arrived to try and help, along with other units. Nathan Sumner was arrested and later pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 15 years.

Sentencing Sumner at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Julian Goose QC said he had mounted a “sustained attack”. PC Bates told the court how she had been left with dizziness, headaches, nausea, nightmares and flashbacks.

PC Bates and PC Garrett will attend a reception and an evening awards ceremony in London in July.

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty. The awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.

Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “This was a terrifying attack that left the police officers physically and mentally scarred. They went into that address to help a woman that day and came out irreparably changed.

“I am so proud of the officers for the strength and bravery that they found within themselves that day and we at the Federation and in the wider county owe them a debt of gratitude. We pay tribute to their courage and professionalism.”