A police constable who suffered a lasting head injury during a knife attack at a home in Essex has spoken about the long-term impact of the incident, as the man responsible received an extended prison sentence following his conviction for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
PC Holly Matthews, a frontline officer just over five feet tall, was injured in December 2023 while responding with a colleague to a call for assistance involving 25-year-old Declan Diedrick at a property in Harlow. Video evidence and witness accounts presented during the trial showed that Diedrick, who was holding a household kitchen knife, became physically combative as officers attempted to ensure the safety of those present, leading to a brief but intense struggle that moved through the house and into the garden.
At Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Charles Bourne sentenced Diedrick to five years in custody with an additional three-year extended licence period, telling the court that the officers involved had been performing the duties expected of them when they were confronted with an unexpectedly volatile situation. The judge said police officers are often required to enter unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environments with no advance warning, and praised the professionalism shown by both attending officers.
Incident Unfolded Quickly, Jury Told
The court heard that Diedrick’s family had been increasingly concerned for his welfare in the months before the incident. Jurors were told that relatives had sought professional help and that, on the day of the attack, his brother contacted police due to behaviour that appeared erratic and unpredictable. Medical evidence later presented in court indicated that Diedrick was experiencing a cannabis-related psychotic episode and had not fully recovered months after its onset.
When officers arrived at the terraced house, body-worn camera footage showed Diedrick standing in the hallway with a knife. PC Matthews and acting Sergeant Gemma Sandy gave verbal instructions for him to put the weapon down. A struggle began almost immediately, involving both officers and a family friend attempting to restrain him. The confrontation lasted less than a minute but moved quickly through several rooms and eventually into the rear garden.
During the struggle, PC Matthews sustained a cut to the side of her head. Although not life-threatening, the injury required hospital treatment and has left a permanent scar. Additional officers soon arrived, and Diedrick was restrained and taken into custody.
Officer Describes Ongoing Trauma
In a statement read aloud during the sentencing hearing, PC Matthews described how the incident had profoundly affected her personal life, her confidence in carrying out her role, and her overall wellbeing. She explained that she continues to experience anxiety, nightmares and disrupted sleep, and that she struggles with the memory of how fast the situation escalated.
She said the injury and the emotional aftermath have remained with her long after the physical wound healed. The officer emphasised that behind the uniform she is an ordinary person placed in harm’s way while trying to protect others.
Sergeant Sandy, who attended the call with her, also submitted a statement, explaining that she too continues to experience fear and self-doubt related to the attack. She acknowledged that she had not taken her taser on that shift—something she reflected on during her statement—but stressed that the priority at the time had been ensuring public safety.
Court Rejects Claim of Attempted Strangulation
The jury heard that during the struggle, Diedrick placed his hands near Sergeant Sandy’s neck. However, they did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that he had attempted to strangle her. He had earlier admitted causing grievous bodily harm and a separate wounding charge, the latter left to lie on file. He also received a 12-month concurrent sentence for possessing the knife.
Because he has already served more than 700 days on remand, Diedrick could be eligible for release within a little over a year, subject to risk assessments and the conditions of the extended licence period.
Police Federation Highlights Everyday Risks to Officers
Following sentencing, Steve Martin, Chair of the Essex Police Federation, said the case highlighted the dangers officers face when responding to emergency calls. He expressed relief that both officers survived the incident and called for continued support for those dealing with the psychological impact of violent encounters.
Judge Bourne, in his closing remarks, advised Diedrick to avoid drugs and other illicit substances following his release, noting that the psychotic episode contributed significantly to the behaviour that placed officers and family members at risk.
Source:Africa Publicity
