Wales’ First Minister to host reception for brave Gwent officers

20 September 2023

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford will today hold a reception to honour two Gwent Police Federation members who confronted a large dog that fatally attacked a 10-year-old boy.

The outstanding bravery of sergeants Isabelle Coulson and Ross Phillips will be recognised at a reception at the Senedd this afternoon (Wednesday 20 September).

The reception will also be attended by Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, as well as Calum Macleod, secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), National Board member for the Welsh region Zac Mader and Leigh Godfrey, Post Incident Lead and Region 7 (Wales) Representative for PFEW, also attended the reception.

Mr Drakeford said: “It is an honour to meet the brave men and women who have gone beyond the call of duty in a bid to protect members of the public from harm. They acted selflessly and we are proud of their actions. I’m looking forward to congratulating them on their awards and nominations, which are highly deserved.”

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Isabelle and Ross were among the first to attend the scene of a dog attack at an address in Caerphilly in November 2021, where Jack Lis was sadly killed.

The pair acted with the utmost bravery and devised a plan to enter the property.

While Isabelle distracted the dog, Ross entered the house and attended to Jack.

He managed to get Jack outside and away from the dog, but found that Jack had died from his injuries.

The Gwent Police sergeants were nominated for a National Police Bravery Award for their actions.

They will be joined at the reception by nominees from South Wales Police - Inspector Paul Ramsay, Detective Inspector Paul Graham, Police Constable Owen Bedford and an officer who wishes to remain anonymous - who put their own safety at risk to form a human chain in an attempt to save a distressed woman on the edge of a cliff.

North Wales Police nominee PC Catherine Parry was invited but is unable to attend due to family commitments.