Man sectioned after admitting stabbing a police officer in Thornton Cleveleys
William Ashton was suffering a severe psychotic episode at the time
Last updated 10th Jul 2017
A man from Blackpool - who's admitted stabbing a police officer in Thornton Cleveleys - has been sectioned under the mental health act.
39 year old William Ashton attacked the officer in broad daylight on Westmorland Avenue last November
In November 2016 PC Pete Lucas stopped a van, believing missing person William Ashton to be the driver.
Mr Ashton got out and punched PC Lucas and then stabbed him to the chest and stomach.
PC Lucas fell to the ground and was stabbed again, with one knife wound going underneath stab-vest. Mr Ashton threw the knife away and kicked PC Lucas in the head and body several times, before members of the public intervened. Mr Ashton then made off in his van.
The van was later seen travelling towards Poulton-le-Fylde where it was stopped by road police officers. Mr Ashton attacked the RPU vehicle with a pickaxe before he was tasered and arrested.
PC Lucas, 47, received a superficial stab wound to his abdomen, a broken wrist, and bruising to his face. He has made a full recovery and returned to work on the immediate response team at Fleetwood in January 2017.
Mr Ashton has remained in a secure mental health facility since he was arrested. Psychiatrists agreed that he is not insane, but has for several years suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.
A trial was due to start today (10th July) but Mr Ashton, formerly of Briarwood Drive, Blackpool, admitted a charge of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent. He had earlier pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife.
Detective Chief Inspector Becky Smith, of Blackpool Police, said: “Pete Lucas can have had no idea of the horrific events that were to unfold that day and the fact that he has returned to work and is now fully operational is a true credit to his own resilience and commitment to his job. I must commend his courage and professionalism throughout. This incident shows the risks that officers face on a daily basis.
“I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public who came to Pete’s aid and showed tremendous bravery in the face of danger.