A BASINGSTOKE man did stab a police officer in the neck, causing multliple wounds and 'lasting trauma', a trial has found.

Following a three day hearing at Winchester Crown Court, a jury has today (Friday, October 29) found that Thomas Gracey, 45, of Churchill Way, Basingstoke did attack an officer with a knife on Easter Sunday, 2020.

He was given an indefinite hospital order by the court after it was found that he was unfit to stand trial due to mental ill health. He instead faced a trial of issue, and the jury were asked to determine what happened, rather than his guilt.

Winchester Crown Court was told during the trial that the police officer and his colleague were deployed to Churchill Place, a block of flats on Churchill Way, on a concern for welfare when the attack took place.

The officer tried to slip Gracey, who previously gave his address to the court as Littlemore in Oxfordshire, a note under the door and calling his phone, reassuring him he wasn't in trouble and to get him to come out on his own accord.

The officers then asked for assistance when this didn't work, asking for colleagues who could break down the door. But before they arrived, Gracey opened the door and launched the attack.

Lots of people ran towards the danger to help the officer, including a neighbour who tried to distract Gracey to get him to stop stabbing him, and mental health workers who administered first aid.

Whilst he was in custody, his mental health was assessed and he was detained in a secure facility under the Mental Health Act.

The officer was transported to hospital and treated for a number of stab wounds to this head, face, arms, hands and fingers.

Hampshire Police Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: “Officers risk their lives every day to keep people safe. They come to work and carry out their duty to protect people, sometimes very vulnerable people with complex needs. We dedicate a lot of time to finding, supporting and protecting people who are very unwell.

“Officers do what they can within their power to help them, and help partners to ensure people get the right help.

“My officers are often asked to help mental health professionals with visits and execute warrants because of the very real concern a person might be a danger to themselves or others. They do this in order to protect individuals and communities from harm.

“There is no doubt that this officers physical injuries have healed, but there will be a long lasting trauma that I wish none of my officers had to endure.

“I would like to personally commend the officer for his bravery in recovery and having him back on duty. I would to also extend my thanks and pay tribute to the officers and mental health practitioners than ran towards the danger in what was a terrifying incident.”