Police officers left fearing for their lives after being attacked by a thug with a meat cleaver have been commended for their bravery during the incident.
David Dowson yesterday pled guilty to attempting to murder PC McCorry, who lost part of his thumb in the attack, which took place in Wishaw last June.
The 26-year-old also admitted assaulting PC Coletta to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.
The officers were helping a 10-year-old boy in the Greenfield Drive area of Wishaw at the time, before Dowson launched what police have since labelled as a 'vicious and unprovoked' attack.
Dowson was later heard shouting: "Aye I chopped your cops up with a cleaver".
Police Scotland have subsequently welcomed the conviction and say any violence shown against officers is 'outrageous and disgraceful'.
Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, said: “We welcome the conviction today of David Dowson at the High Court in Glasgow, and I would like to commend the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.
“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack. Not only were these two officers doing their job, they were actually helping a 10-year-old boy at the time. Any violence towards our officers is outrageous and disgraceful and will not be tolerated.
“Over a number of years there has been an increasing number of reports of assaults on officer and staff. This can cause physical and psychological harm to those who are dedicated public servants and coming under attack should not be part of the job.
“The Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has made it clear that violence against officers and staff is utterly unacceptable and should never be seen as simply part of the job. He has promised to provide appropriate support to all colleagues where it does occur.”
