Officer's bravery leads to jailing of knifeman

The outstanding bravery and quick thinking of an officer who single-handedly tackled a knifeman has seen the suspect jailed.

PC Morgan Younger managed to take Fitzgerald Carty, 66, to the ground and disarm and restrain him while calling for further assistance.

Carty, who was trying to stab another man, admitted two offences at Woolwich Crown Court.

He was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and six months’ jail, to run concurrently, for possession of a knife.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing Lewisham where the incident happened, said: “A dangerous man is now behind bars thanks to the outstanding work of PC Younger.

“He saw a very violent crime in progress and didn’t hesitate to race in and wrestle the knifeman to the ground. I have no doubt without his intervention, the victim would have been seriously injured.

“PC Younger was calm and professional and everything we want our police officers to be. We are extremely proud of his actions and he has been nominated for a commendation.”

The incident happened at a petrol station in Lee High Road, Lewisham at around 15:00hrs on Saturday, 25 January.

PC Younger, who is attached to South East Command Unit and has five years’ service, was on patrol when he stopped at the petrol station to quickly buy a drink. At the entrance, he saw a man grab the victim around the throat and try to stab him with a large knife.

The officer immediately responded, took hold of the suspect and struggled with him while he continued to wield the knife.

He managed to bring him to the floor and disarm him without any help.

He then restrained him single-handedly while calling for back-up and still managing to arrest Carty.

He kept the man under control for five minutes until further officers arrived to help.

The victim, aged in his 40s, was not injured thanks to PC Younger’s swift work.

PC Younger, aged 23, said: “I had just stopped to get a drink before an appointment when I saw the commotion.

“I acted instinctively and without question, I just needed to stop a clearly dangerous man with a knife. My training kicked in and I did everything I could.

“I live and breathe policing – I have a strong desire to help those in need, and keep people safe.

“I’m just pleased the victim was not injured and the suspect is now in prison.”

Carty, (13.10.58), of Dacre Park, Lewisham, was arrested and charged on Sunday, 26 January with possession of a knife and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He knew the victim and the knife attack stemmed from a previous dispute.

Carty pleaded guilty to both offences on Monday, 24 February and was imprisoned.