Two police officers have been awarded Chief Constable’s commendations for their bravery after tackling a man with a knife.
PC Katrina Keeling and PC Jon Penman were called to a domestic disturbance in Peel on June 10th last year.
On arrival they found 41-year-old John Blanchard drunk, irate and aggressive – they separated him from a female at the address with the officers separating to speak to both parties.
However Blanchard snatched and held out a five and a half kitchen knife within extremely close proximity to PC Penman causing him to fear for his immediate personal safety.
The officer grabbed hold of the man's hand and his colleague came to his assistance – both officers struggled to restrain Blanchard before using PAVA incapacitant spray to subdue him.
Blanchard denied a charge of affray and subsequently stood trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery earlier this week.
A jury found him guilty of the offence – he will be sentenced at a later date.
A statement from the Isle of Man Constabulary says: "This incident demonstrates the risks that all police officers face on a day to day basis as they never know what dangers they may face when they carry out their role in keeping people safe.
"The Isle of Man Constabulary would like to state that assaults against any members of the Emergency Services will not be tolerated.
"The Emergency Services work 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to assist, care for, and keep people safe.
"They are not there to be abused, threatened or assaulted."
