Paul and Holly honoured at bravery awards ceremony

13 October 2021

Two brave West Midlands PCs have been recognised at the national Police Bravery Awards for 2020.

PCs Paul Newman and Holly Necchi were joined at the awards ceremony in London by their partners, West Midland Police Federation chair Jon Nott and the Chief Constable, David Thompson.

“I was incredibly proud to accompany our two brave officers to the awards ceremony and to meet their partners,” says Jon.

For Holly and Paul, it was one of the first opportunities they had to get together after the event that led to their nomination for the awards.

Paul had feared for his life after chasing a suspect into a water-filled storm drain in the incident in July 2019 but Holly had come to the rescue.

Paul was attacked by the man who had fled a car when officers discovered a loaded handgun and at one point feared his eyes would be gouged out. Holly heard her colleague’s cries for help and it was thanks to her that he survived the attack as he was physically exhausted fighting off his assailant.

The annual Police Bravery Awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour some of the finest officers in England and Wales who have performed incredible acts of bravery, while on or off duty.

The 2020 awards, postponed due to the pandemic, honoured 93 officers from 42 forces. The overall national winner was PC Stuart Outten from the Metropolitan Police.

He suffered multiple stab wounds and skull fractures, but managed to use his Taser to disable an attacker who was armed with a machete. In the horrific attack, he suffered six deep wounds to his head, skull fractures, and two wounds to his arm and multiple finger fractures.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We have the finest police officers in the world - dedicated public servants who, without hesitation, put themselves in danger to protect others.

“They are humble, professional and committed individuals who I am proud to call my colleagues. Police officers are everyday heroes who are anything but ordinary. My congratulations go to PC Outten and all the Police Bravery Awards nominees. They deserve every bit of recognition they receive.”

Earlier in the day, all the bravery awards nominees attended a Downing Street reception hosted by Home Secretary Priti Patel with Holly and her husband being accompanied by her six-day-old daughter Autumn, who proved to be a very popular late addition to the guest list.

Holly’s due date was the day before the awards, which had been delayed due to the pandemic, but when baby Autumn arrived early, her parents decided to take her along, feeling that it was a once in a life-time opportunity to attend the event.

“The fact that Autumn was able to attend too just made the whole thing extra special and I think everyone, including the Home Secretary, was delighted to welcome her to Downing Street,” said Jon, “I am sure Holly will tell her all about her special appearance at the awards in years to come.”