A POLICE sergeant from Swindon who successfully disarmed a man threatening to cut himself was awarded a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Excellence at the Forces Awards in Devizes on Tuesday for her courageous efforts.

Sgt Penny Sprawson was with colleagues when what they thought would be a routine job escalated very quickly.

They spotted what they believed to be a stolen van travelling down the A149. After stopping the van it became clear it wasn’t stolen.

Despite this, when carrying out checks with the driver, the officers discussed seizing the van as the driver did not have insurance and he became very agitated.

This resulted in a stand-off with the driver, by then in the back of his van with a kitchen knife, threatening to cut himself if officers tried to take his vehicle.

Officers negotiated for about 20 minutes, but he was becoming increasingly agitated, to the point he was foaming at the mouth and refused to put the knife down.

Sgt Sprawson said they were concerned not only for the driver’s safety, but also their own.

“All I was thinking about was how we could get it resolved as quickly and safely as possible, not only for him but for the officers as well," she said.

“We try and remain calm throughout and try and communicate in a way he would understand, and then your colleagues know what they have to do as well.

“It was concerning at the time, but we were lucky we were at a safe distance, it wasn’t right in your face.

“I see it as part of my role and part of my job. I’d do it again tomorrow or later if it was required, but it isn’t something you deal with every day thankfully. However, we are trained to deal with things like this and it is part of our role.”

Officers successfully disarmed the driver in the back of the van and arrested him for affray. He was charged with possession of a bladed article, common assault, and theft of a motor vehicle.

Discussing the award, Sgt Sprawson, said: “It is nice to be nominated for it, it is my first one in 17 years in the force, so it is quite nice.

“There were lots of us there who all had a role to play and the team were really good.”