Countdown Attacker Ordered to Remain in Hospital Indefinitely

A former Countdown champion who attacked another contestant at a fan convention in what a judge described as a "terrifying incident" has been ordered to remain in a psychiatric hospital indefinitely.

John Cowen, 31, arrived at the event carrying two knives and stabbed fellow champion Thomas Carey in the upper arm, Preston crown court heard during sentencing. The violence unfolded on 14 September last year at a gathering of the Focal Countdown Group, where past contestants and fans of the Channel 4 show meet for informal competitions.

Judge Guy Mathieson said Cowen entered the Wainwright Social Club in Blackpool, Lancashire, and "went straight for Mr Carey". He noted that Cowen already had one of the kitchen knives in his hand, "clearly to be used as a weapon". The judge described the attack as an act of "deliberate violence" that could easily have resulted in much more serious harm or even proved fatal.

Cowen was arrested at the scene and charged with wounding and two counts of possessing a bladed article in public. Earlier this year, Judge Mathieson determined that Cowen was not fit to stand trial due to his mental illness. A subsequent fact-finding hearing concluded that Cowen, who is from Morecambe, had carried out the stabbing.

No explanation for the attack was ever provided. While the court previously heard that Cowen had expressed frustration about some attendees using an app to assist with Countdown gameplay, Judge Mathieson noted that Carey had "no idea why he had been targeted".

Cowen, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was ordered to be detained in hospital for an indefinite period under Sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act. Appearing via videolink from a psychiatric hospital in Preston, he showed no reaction as the order was made.

Whitestone Solicitors