Overview
- Judge Guy Mathieson imposed a Section 37/41 hospital order on John Cowen at Preston Crown Court, placing him under indefinite detention with restrictions.
- Court evidence, including CCTV, showed Cowen entering Blackpool’s Wainwright Social Club with a kitchen knife, running at Thomas Carey, and stabbing him in the left upper arm.
- Bystanders restrained Cowen and removed the knife before police arrived, and officers later found a second kitchen knife in his pocket.
- Consultant psychiatrist testimony described Cowen’s schizophrenia as relapsing and remitting, with resistance to treatment that limits safe management in the community.
- The court heard he had voiced resentment about some players using a practice app, though Carey said he had no idea why he was targeted.