Police have released shocking video footage showing the moment two paramedics were stabbed by a man as they carried out a welfare check at his home.
Martyn Smith lunged at Mick Hipgrave and Deena Evans with two kitchen knives at the address in Stephens Close, Wolverhampton, on 6 July last year.
Mick was stabbed in the back while ambulance colleague Deena suffered a punctured lung from a knife wound to her chest.
Knifeman Smith was swiftly tasered by one of our officers – called to help gain entry as the 52-year-old hadn’t been seen for several days – moments after the 12.30pm attack and arrested.
He initially claimed he thought the paramedics and police officers were burglars and acted in self-defence.
However, the court heard how Mick and Deena knocked on doors and windows for several minutes and announced themselves as paramedics before calling for police support on getting no response.
Smith later changed his plea, admitting two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (9 July) was jailed for nine years.
Deena spent three days in hospital following surgery while Mick was discharged later on the day of the attack.
They have consented to us releasing the footage to highlight the dangers blue light workers can face and to push for stiff sentences against anyone who attacks police, ambulance or fire service staff in the line of duty.
Reflecting on the incident Deena said she thought she was going to die and praised the action of accompanying police officers who tasered Smith and gave her emergency first aid.
She said: “He ran at me with two kitchen knives about eight inches long. At first I thought I’d been punched but then felt my chest was wet and warm… and I saw the blood on my gloves. I couldn’t stop the bleeding and I collapsed in the garden.
“The female police officer put her hands on my chest to try and stem the bleeding. I just said to her ‘please don’t let me die’ and she replied ‘I’m not going to let you die’.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me as otherwise I wouldn’t be here today.”
Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson, said: “The whole incident lasted just 12 seconds – from the moment they entered the house to Smith being tasered – but the impact of such a shocking incident can stay with victims for a long time.
“Every day in their roles as paramedics Deena and Mick are helping people in need and saving lives. I’m glad our officers played a part in saving theirs.
“I wish them both well for the future and in their continued recovery, and hope the sentence handed down to Smith helps them achieve some closure.”