Essex Police officer presented Queen’s Commendation for Bravery

John McCartney, then 40, horrifically attacked the police officer who he had tracked down after becoming fixated with him and launching a harassment campaign on social media.

The officer, who cannot be named, received his award from Lord-Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, watched proudly by his wife, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington and Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.

The Merit Star embroidered on the sleeve of an Essex Police officer's tunic (Image: Al Underwood / Essex Police)

Mrs Tolhurst told him she was "particularly privileged and honoured to be able to present the late Queen’s Commendation for Bravery" as the Monarch’s personal representative in Essex.

The officer was awarded Chief Constable Harrington’s first Merit Star in 2020 for his brave actions following the frenzied knife attack at his home in April 2019.

Despite his serious injuries, the officer used tactics learned during police training to keep the man out of his home and away from his wife and two children.

Chief Constable Harrington says: “This officer was, and continues to be, so brave. Despite suffering horrific and life-changing injuries, he put the safety of his family and his neighbours first.

Obsessed - John McCartney became fixated upon his victim (Image: Essex Police)

“While still being attacked, he tackled the man to the ground, so he could not hurt anyone else, and restrained him until colleagues and paramedics arrived.

“Since that terrible day, he has shown such great resilience and strength of purpose in his rehabilitation and by returning to the job he loves.

“I am proud to serve alongside this officer and to call him a colleague. He is an absolute credit to the force, his community and his family and his Queen’s Commendation recognises that.

“This case is a notable reminder that, every day across the country, police officers run into the face of danger whilst others run away. They protect and serve our communities, often without a second thought for the risk or danger they may face.

“But sadly, all too often, they are assaulted, sometimes with the most tragic and devastating consequences.”

The officer says receiving the Queen’s Commendation was "a real surprise" and expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

“The Chief visited me and provided me and my family with reassurance while the force was also able to secure exceptional welfare services for me,” he added.

“Other support mechanisms, such as the Essex Police Benevolent Fund and the Essex Police Federation, are things you pay into and hope you are never going to need but, after the attack, I was offered support from both. They aided my rehabilitation, which I’m really thankful for.”

John McCartney was sentenced in 2020 to an indefinite hospital order after admitting a charge of attempted murder. He was also given an indefinite restraining order, forbidding him from contacting the police officer and his family or going to their home.