3 days ago
BREAKING NEWS Woman, 25, appears in court for 'attempted murder of two police officers' with knife
A woman appeared in court today accused of attempting to murder two police officers using a knife.
Hannah Smaile, 25, was charged after officers were called to an address in Carlisle at around 9.30am yesterday.
According to Cumbria Police, two officers attended to speak to the occupant but were assaulted using a knife.
'A female officer suffered a facial injury described as not life threatening,' the force said in a statement.
'A male officer suffered a hand injury described as not life-changing.'
Both were discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.
Smaile, 25, of Brocklebank, Cumbria, is accused of the attempted murder of PC Matthew Johnstone and PC Heather Wilson.
A third charge alleges that Smaile unlawfully and intentionally threatened the same two police constables with an offensive weapon or bladed article — namely a hunting knife — at a private address in the Raffles area of Carlisle.
Curly-haired Smaile appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court this afternoon wearing a light grey jumper.
During a four-minute hearing she spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address.
No pleas were entered to the three charges.
Prosecutor Peter Bardsley said the incident occurred as police attended the property.
'She has a knife and approaches one of the officers,' he told the court.
'She tries to stab her. That (blade) catches the end of her nose.'
A second officer tried to restrain Smaile but she then 'threatens' him, the prosecutor alleged.
Smaile is due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 30.
No application for bail was made by defence solicitor Chris Toms, and Smaile was remanded in custody until the next court hearing.
Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, of Cumbria Police, said: 'Our officers and staff work incredibly hard to keep people in Cumbria safe.
'Police officers, like everyone else in society, should be able to go to work without fear of being assaulted.
'Both officers received treatment yesterday and have since been discharged and will receive continued support from the constabulary following this incident.'
