Essex Police were called on December 29, 2023, over concerns for the safety of Declan Diedrick, 25, of no fixed abode, in Hull Grove, Harlow.
The first two officers at the scene found he had a seven-inch knife, and when they tried to get him to put it down, he stabbed one of them before he could be handcuffed and arrested.
Diedrick has now been jailed for five years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but the officer must live with the mental and physical scars she received.
In a statement, Pc Hollie Matthews said: “This incident is one I have thought about every day, often for hours on end, over and over.
“In moments like this in this job you don’t consider yourself to be anything other than a police officer – you do what is right and for me was stopping him from harming himself or others.
“However, the reality is under my uniform, I am a person, a person with feelings, a person who is a human being, a person who is now a victim.”
Pc Matthews detailed how she spent days unable to wash blood out of her hair due to the injury, and said she is still plagued with nightmares and headaches.
She described the incident as “a never-ending cycle of torment.”
Diedrick had earlier admitted wounding without intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
However, he denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted of the charge by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 30 and jailed for five years on Monday, December 8.
He was also given an additional three years on licence.
Superintendent Tony Atkin commended the officers’ actions on the night of the attack.
He said: “Everyday officers across Essex willingly go towards danger in order to keep the public safe.
“We are honoured to help those in need and stop those harming others.
“This incident shows the best of our officers and the dangers they face—our officers were at the scene within minutes of receiving a call for help, and then faced Diedrick as he repeatedly tried to attack them with a knife.
“From arriving at the scene to arresting Diedrick, there was less than 60 seconds. This highlights the professionalism and effectiveness of those on scene, and shockingly, how quickly he could have injured them further.
“Diedrick had a clear intent and determination to harm those officers and the violence he showed that night was truly horrifying.
“The first two officers on the scene were subject to a savage attack, with one sustaining a serious stab wound to the face.
“Despite everything those officers went through, they remain in frontline policing duties today and continue to help the people of Harlow.
“This exemplifies the incredible bravery of all our officers, trying to do the best for the people they serve.
“All too frequently, our officers face violence, and it is never acceptable to assume assaults on police officers are just ‘part of the job’.”
Chair of Essex Police Federation, Steve Martin, also expressed admiration for the officers’ bravery during the incident.
He said: “I am pleased to see the judge has delivered a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this violent offence. It sends a clear message that assaults against police officers will not be tolerated.
“Despite the severity of the assault, our officers demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism, successfully restraining the individual and preventing further harm.
“Their actions reflect the highest standards of policing and public service, and I am immensely proud of them.
“These first responding officers are a credit to Essex Police.
“Their bravery and resilience in the face of such violence deserves recognition.
“I extend my deepest admiration and support to them as they continue their recovery and return to duty.”
