Cleveland officer celebrated at The National Police Bravery Awards

10 December 2021

A Cleveland Police officer who courageously fought off a drunken armed woman with a history of attacking police officers been celebrated at The National Police Bravery Awards.

PC Adam Woodland joined 80 colleagues from across the country at the prestigious event on 9 December in London. 

The Middlesborough officer was called to help the vulnerable and disabled woman at her Beechwood home in July last year. She was making a complaint about her neighbour when she went into her kitchen and returned with a 12-inch knife partially hidden behind her back.

She then lunged at PC Woodland, aiming for his head or neck.

Teeside Crown Court heard that she had suddenly turned into a different person, verbally abusing him and calling him names.

PC Woodland blocked her and restrained her on the sofa, all the while remaining calm and professional.

Lisa Timney, of Forber Road in the Beechwood area of Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to attempting to commit grievous bodily harm with intent in December last year and was jailed for two years and eight months.

She has a history of assaults against police officers with attacks and threats made in 2018, 2013, and 2005.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Howard Crowson commended PC Woodland's "excellence" during the incident, noting his "swift action prevented serious harm”.

He told Timney: "He originally came to support you, you were being supported as a victim and yet, whilst that seemed to be going well, your character changed and that must have been to a large degree because of the amount of alcohol you had consumed. It must have been very frightening for PC Woodland.”

Richie Murray, Secretary of Cleveland Police Federation, said: “Police officers never know what they are turning up to when they attend someone’s house. PC Woodland arrived to help Timney that day; he was kind, compassionate and professional. Unfortunately for him, the incident suddenly turned and he was subject to unexpected threats and violence.

“Thankfully, due to his speedy and effective response, he was not physically hurt. However, psychological scars are invisible, and this incident reminds us of how dangerous a job policing can be. I commend PC Woodland for his bravery.”

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

The Awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.