Heroic police officers scoop Constabulary's highest bravery accolade
Tuesday, 29 May, 2012
Chair of the Police Authority Bruce Jassi, Pc Marc Rigby, Pc Ian McGinty, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Weigh.
TWO Lancashire firearms officers who were attacked with a knife as they fought to arrest an extremely dangerous suspect on the run from police have received the Constabulary's most prestigious bravery award.
Pc Marc Rigby and Pc Ian McGinty, from Lancashire Constabulary's Armed Response Unit, were presented with this year's William Garnett Cup at a special ceremony after the Police Authority meeting this morning (Tuesday, May 29).
The award, which was presented by Deputy Chief Constable, Chris Weigh and the Chair of the Police Authority, Bruce Jassi, is the highest bravery accolade available to Lancashire officers and recognises the pair's heroism as they apprehended a violent man on Monday 19 July, 2010.
The incident began as a serious domestic assault at a house in Padiham, Burnley, at 3am, in which the female victim had her nose bitten off and was violently attacked while asleep. The woman managed to flee to a neighbour's address while the offender, her partner Robert Wilson, made off from the scene with a kitchen knife wearing only his underwear.
A major police search got underway involving specialist officers and the Merseyside police helicopter. A few hours later, police received a report that a man armed with a knife was stealing a car in Burnley. Wilson had threatened the female car owner, grabbing her around the neck and putting a knife to her throat. He forced his way into her home and stole clothing, and eventually made off from the scene.
The incident was linked to the initial domestic in Padiham and a firearms authority was granted. Wilson was spotted by plain-clothed officers in an area near a primary school and Pc Rigby and Pc McGinty were immediately deployed to the area.
As they arrived, a partially-clothed Wilson emerged from some bushes into the path of their vehicle brandishing an eight-inch bladed knife. He ran towards Pc Rigby causing Pc McGinty to verbally challenge him and discharge his taser. This had no affect and Wilson launched himself at Pc Rigby with the knife raised, with such speed and force that they both fell to the floor. While on the floor, Wilson lashed out at the officer with the knife towards his legs and buttocks in a figure of eight motion. Pc McGinty used his boots and body weight to force Wilson off the body of his colleague. Eventually a final taser discharge took effect and Wilson was brought under control.
Remarkably, both officers only sustained minor cuts and bruises during the attack. The female victim had to undergo multiple reconstructive surgery to her face and nose.
Wilson, who had previously been released from prison following the attempted murder of his previous girlfriend using a knife, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Preston Crown Court for a Section 18 wounding, aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, and assault with intent to resist arrest.
Commending the officers for their brave actions, Mr Jassi said: "The extreme danger these officers faced that day was both real and very terrifying. The incident could easily have had a different outcome had it not been for their professionalism, restraint and bravery and they represent the very best of Lancashire Constabulary.
"Every day, Lancashire officers place themselves in tense and potentially dangerous situations to protect our communities from criminality and make our streets safer. In this instance, the officers went way beyond the call of duty to protect the public and their courage and selfless actions deserve the highest praise."
Deputy Chief Constable Weigh added: "I am very proud of all our officers who put their safety on the line for the well-being and protection of the people of Lancashire every day, but the valiant actions taken by PCs Rigby and McGinty during that summer morning in Burnley really does deserve special recognition and merit.
"Without their commitment and bravery, more people could have been hurt by a dangerous offender who had already caused serious injury and pain to a pair of innocent women. The title of a 'hero' sometimes gets used a bit too often, but both these officers are just that and it will be honour for Bruce and I to present them with this year's William Garnett Cup."
