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Three police officers have been recognised for their bravery after responding to an incident involving a chainsaw-wielding man inside a flat.<\/b><\/p>\n
Sgt Pete Williams and PCs Matt Reynolds and Gareth Green were confronted by an “armed and highly aggressive suspect” who had threatened the officers with a knife before brandishing a chainsaw.<\/p>\n
Tommy Gillespie, from Bridgend, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for affray, four weeks for criminal damage and 24 months in custody for threatening a person with an offensive weapon.<\/p>\n
Phil Walker, of South Wales Police, described the scene as “like something out of a horror movie”, and commended the officers for their “courage, determination and composure”.<\/p>\n
The South Wales Police Federation said PC Reynolds and PC Green arrived at the flat that was “clearly in distress” as a man and woman had barricaded themselves inside a bedroom.<\/p>\n
Gillespie, 41, became aggressive towards the officers, threatening to “chop their heads off” should they come towards him.<\/p>\n
The federation said a knife was thrust through the bedroom door before it emerged that Gillespie had a chainsaw.<\/p>\n
Sgt Williams then arrived at the flat, which allowed the three officers to get closer to the defendant and arrest him, aided by the use of a Taser.<\/p>\n
He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 20 January 2025. <\/p>\n
The trio joined other nominees from police forces across England and Wales for the National Police Bravery Awards held in London on Thursday 9 July.<\/p>\n
They were welcomed by the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at Downing Street for a ceremony to recognise the extraordinary courage and dedication of officers.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the ceremony, Mahmood thanked the police officers from across the country for their commitment to keeping the public safe.<\/p>\n
Sgt Williams said it was a “pretty nice” way to mark his 40th birthday, which coincided with the event.<\/p>\n
PC Reynolds said it was “quite surreal” to be at Downing Street for the event but called it a “proud time” for himself.<\/p>\n
“It’s nice to have a day out and a reward for our hard work,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n