Oswestry police officers commended for bravery
Two Oswestry police officers have been commended for bravery in disarming a violent man armed with a knife.
Police Constables Mark Roberts and Matthew Norfolk will receive West Mercia Police Superintendent’s Commendations for their “bravery and quick-thinking in disarming a violent man with a knife and baseball bat intent on causing serious harm.”
They were called to a public order incident near Oswestry in July last year following a report of a violent drunken man trying to force his way into a house.
On arrival, they saw the man running and kicking the front door of the premises. They also noted he had a baseball bat in one hand and a metal object in the other. The metal object was found to be an ornamental knife with a nine-inch blade.
Both officers tackled the man in order to disarm and restrain him. After a struggle, he was brought under control and arrested.
Sergeant Lee Johnson, in recommending PC Roberts and PC Norfolk for commendations, said: “The officers displayed considerable courage in tackling a man armed with a baseball bat and knife in order to protect the public.
“They saw an opportunity to disarm him and deal with the matter quickly and effectively without thought for their own safety.”
The man subsequently appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court where he admitted possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, possessing a large ornamental knife in a public place and affray using or threatening violence towards another.
He received a 46-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to carryout 200 hours unpaid work and made the subject of a supervision order.
The commendations will be presented at an awards ceremony later in the year.
