Former Game Show Champion Committed to Hospital After Violent Assault
A former Countdown champion has been ordered to remain in a psychiatric hospital for an indefinite period after launching a knife attack on a fellow contestant during a tournament. John Cowen, 31, was not present in the courtroom as the judge ruled him unfit to stand trial due to his mental state.
The Terrifying Incident at the Blackpool Event
Preston Crown Court heard how Cowen, who has schizophrenia, ran across a room at the Wainwright Club in Blackpool while brandishing a kitchen knife. The space was hosting a Focal Countdown Group event where enthusiasts of the Channel 4 gameshow compete in spelling and number challenges.
CCTV footage presented to the jury showed Cowen entering the venue shortly after 11:30am with the weapon clearly visible in his left hand. He immediately spotted fellow player Thomas Carey and sprinted toward him. Witnesses described hearing growling noises before Cowen lunged across a table and stabbed Carey in the left bicep.
Court Proceedings and Medical Assessment
Judge Guy Mathieson described the assault as a "terrifying incident of deliberate violence with a knife which could have caused far more serious injury and possible lethality." The ruling was based on assessments from two psychiatrists who found Cowen "seriously mentally unwell."
Although charged with wounding with intent and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place, Cowen pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court instead conducted a facts-finding hearing where the jury determined what had occurred during the attack.
Background of the Cambridge Graduate
Cowen, a Cambridge mathematics graduate from Morecambe, Lancashire, first appeared on Countdown in 2017 where he reached the semi-finals. He returned in 2019 for the champion of champions tournament, achieving octochamp status by winning eight consecutive games.
The court heard that Cowen had expressed discontent about other players using mobile applications to practice the game, though no clear motive for the attack was established. Prosecuting attorney Rosalind Scott Bell told the court that Carey initially believed the knife was fake before realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Legal Outcome and Restriction Order
Judge Mathieson addressed Cowen via videolink from Guild Lodge psychiatric hospital in Preston, stating: "Your attitude to that treatment remains hostile and so any potential treatment and monitoring in the community would not be effective as you would not engage."
The court ordered Cowen's detention under Section 37/41 of the Mental Health Act, accompanied by a restriction order requiring the justice secretary's consent for any future discharge. Police had discovered a second kitchen knife in Cowen's pocket following his arrest.
Thomas Carey received hospital treatment for his wound and has been part of the Countdown fan community since 2011, having known Cowen from previous events organized by the group.
