Man who intervened in Pewsey stabbing honoured at annual awards

A man who bravely intervened in a stabbing in Pewsey has been honoured at the National Police Chiefs Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

Gary Franklin was one of the gold winners recognised at the prestigious awards, which took place at The Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on Thursday 14 November.

The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.

Gary left his car to intervene when he saw a verbal altercation turn to violence outside a shop on High Street, Pewsey, 4 September 2023.

One man was brandishing a knife and attacking a second.

Gary took immediate action, disarming the suspect, removing the knife and securing it on the ground to preserve evidence. At the same time, he detained the suspect and directed bystanders to help the victim, who had been stabbed multiple times.

His calm and collected demeanor under pressure also extended to orchestrating timely calls for police and an ambulance.  

Recognising the need for additional first aid measures, he sought out a store manager to request a first aid kit. The proper application of bandages effectively stemmed the victim’s blood flow, providing crucial care before emergency services could arrive. 

At court, a jury found the defendant guilty of Section 18 GBH. He is on remand awaiting sentencing.

The Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony, said: “Gary demonstrated extraordinary courage, leadership and selfless dedication to the safety and wellbeing of others. He was also humble in his account when speaking to officers afterwards.

“Every day we ask our police officers to put themselves between harm and the public. Even with training, safety equipment and support from other police officers, this takes great bravery to deliver.

"But when members of the public support another person - often a stranger - or support the police in their jobs they do so without the same training or knowledge. This outstanding courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”

Gary, like all the gold award winners, was given a gold-plated, solid silver medal created by The Sheffield Assay Office. 

Winners on the night also included people who jumped into rivers to rescue strangers and assisted police struggling to detain violent suspects.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper attended the awards on behalf of Wiltshire Police.

She said: “I was so very honoured and proud to be present to celebrate the incredible actions of Gary Franklin. There is no doubt that the action he took was heroic, and he is so very deserving of the recognition he received.

Gary put his own safety aside to protect others, and I thank him for his incredible bravery and selflessness in helping keep people safe.”