A former champion of the popular TV quiz show “Countdown” was reported to have emitted a growling sound before allegedly attacking another former contestant with a kitchen knife at a fan club event, according to court proceedings.
During the trial at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that John Cowen, aged 31, made a strange noise described as a mix of a growl and a scream before charging towards Thomas Carey and stabbing him in the arm on September 14 last year. The incident occurred at the Wainwright Social Club in Blackpool, where members of the Focal Countdown Group had gathered for a tournament.
CCTV footage presented to the jury showed Cowen entering the room and immediately assaulting Mr. Carey, who was eventually subdued by other attendees of the event. It was mentioned in court that Cowen felt aggrieved because his opponents had been practicing using an online app, causing him to feel cheated.
Due to Cowen’s mental health condition, he has been deemed unfit to stand trial in the conventional sense. Instead, a trial of facts will be conducted to determine his actions without assigning guilt. The jury’s task is to ascertain whether Cowen indeed stabbed Mr. Carey, without delving into his intentions.
The court was narrated through the CCTV images, depicting Cowen wielding a knife and swiftly approaching Mr. Carey, who tried to defend himself by grabbing Cowen’s wrist. The altercation was halted by other club members before the authorities intervened and found another knife in Cowen’s possession.
Mr. Carey received medical treatment for his wound, and it was disclosed that both individuals were familiar with each other from previous Countdown events. Cowen, a former contestant on the show, had a notable performance in 2017, while Mr. Carey, also an accomplished contestant, debuted on the show in 2015.
Cowen faces charges of wounding with intent and possession of bladed articles. The legal proceedings are ongoing.