A “BRAVE TRIO” jumped to save their elderly neighbour after she became the victim of a violent knife attack outside her home in Ellesmere Port.
In the early hours of Monday, July 11, 2022, Phillip and Geraldine Baddley were alerted by screams and the repeated sounds of a car horn coming from outside their home in Ellesmere Port.
They both immediately went to check outside and were disturbed to see a tall dark figure in their neighbour’s driveway.
The figure appeared to be trying to steal their neighbour’s car, however, the reality was that he was attacking their elderly neighbour who was sat helplessly in her car.
Without thought for her safety Geraldine was first to act, leaning over her garden fence and attempting to stop the figure by grabbing hold of them and shouting.
Philip soon took over from his wife, who then went to call the police for get help.
Phillip managed to grab the man before another neighbour, John Harrop, intervened after he heard the disturbance.
John's immediate concern was that of the safety of his neighbour, above that of himself and his heavily pregnant fiancé, who was witnessing the events unfold from inside their home.
Quick-acting John proceeded to tackle the suspect, pinning him to the ground, however, the attacker stabbed John in the leg in a desperate attempt to incapacitate him.
Yet this did not stop him, with John having pulled the blade from his leg and moving toward the attacker, who quickly fled from the scene in fear.
When Cheshire Police officers arrived at the scene they found the elderly woman had 18 stab wounds across her forehead, neck, chest, abdomen, right leg, and both hands.
The injuries had been inflicted by a self-made weapon consisting of two large kitchen knives bound together at the handles.
She underwent extensive surgery and following many months of treatment and therapy from intensive care she recovered from her injuries.
John sustained a deep stab wound to his leg and was admitted to hospital where he required intensive surgery leaving him unable to walk for months and a nine inch scar.
Philip sustained grazes to his abdomen and hands from the struggle with the offender.
The attacker was charged with offences including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
The trio's selflessness and bravery in the face of danger was rewarded by Chief Constable Mark Roberts during the most recent Chief's Awards at Cheshire Police Headquarters on Wednesday, September 19 2024.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, said: “Without their quick thinking and heroic, actions, the unprovoked attack could have been fatal. You are the epitome of amazing neighbours and the woman you saved will be forever grateful.
"It is without doubt that the selfless actions of all three brave individuals saved the life of their elderly female neighbour. They have been recognised by HHJ Mr Everett for their bravery and are indeed deserving of the Chief Constable's Commendation.”
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