A man has been jailed for nine years after stabbing two paramedics who were responding to a welfare check at his home in Wolverhampton. Martyn Smith, 52, of Stephens Close in Ashmore Park, admitted two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The attack occurred on 6 July 2020 when paramedics Deena Evans and Michael Hipgrave, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, attended Smith's home. Upon arrival, police forced entry after receiving no response. Smith then ran from the kitchen wielding two eight-inch knives, stabbing both paramedics.
Ms Evans suffered a chest wound and nerve damage, requiring two days in hospital. She recalled thinking her uniform was wet before realising she was bleeding. Mr Hipgrave needed surgery for cuts to his back. Both have since received counselling for the mental health impact.
In a victim impact statement, Ms Evans said: 'Your sentence will not give me back the year I lost, neither will it take away my painful and ugly scar, or the mental stress you caused.' The judge praised the paramedics' courage and bravery.
Following the attack, West Midlands Ambulance Service purchased 1,288 bodycams for front-line staff with nearly £1m in NHS England funding. Chief executive Anthony Marsh condemned the attack as 'sickening' and commended the paramedics' resilience.
