Officer still suffering psychological trauma following being stabbed in the neck, chin and arm

26 April 2021

"The physical injuries suffered by the police officers may have healed - sadly the psychological trauma of the incident continues to affect them”

A court has found that a man stabbed a Hampshire Police Constable in the neck, chin and arm - along with carrying out other attacks on officers - following a five-day trial.

One PC was seriously hurt and another narrowly avoided injury when they responded to a concern for welfare call in Southampton on 15 October 2020.

After 40 minutes of knocking at Timothy Walsh’s door and trying to make contact with him by phone, both officers decided to force entry to make sure he was OK. When they entered the flat, Walsh appeared with a knife and without warning ran towards the officers, stabbing one of the officers several times.

The stabbed officer sustained serious wounds to his neck, chin and a deep wound to his arm that required stitches and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment.

A jury at Winchester Crown Court found that Walsh had committed grievous bodily harm with intent with regards to injuries caused to the officer on Friday (April 23).

Walsh was also held to have assaulted two police officers and two mental health workers on previous occasions in 2019 and 2020.

Walsh was deemed unfit to stand, therefore the jury were asked to determine what happened, rather than his guilt, due to ill mental health.

Zoë Wakefield, Police Federation Chair, added: “Police officers are so often the port of call for those that are vulnerable or in danger. They were trying to help that day - and our colleague sadly ended up with frightening injuries for his efforts.

“We are pleased that the courts have recognised the seriousness of this with the verdict, and hope that all police officers can in the future expect such backing from the courts and the Criminal Justice System when they take such risks to keep us all safe.”

Zoe added: “Once again this frightening incident shows how no call in policing is routine – as well as highlighting the bravery and professionalism of Hampshire Police officers.

“The physical injuries suffered by the police officers may have healed - sadly the psychological trauma of the incident continues to affect them. We can assure all colleagues that those involved in this case are being supported by the Federation.”

Hampshire Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: "This was a terrifying incident for all the officers involved.

"Fortunately, whilst the officer who was stabbed in the neck sustained serious injuries, he has made a good recovery and has since returned to work.

"We know that our job does come with an element of risk, but we cannot under-estimate the huge impact this has had on the officer, his family, colleagues and the wider police family."