A Sheriff has praised a "courageous" police officer who put his life on the line to save his colleague from a violent knife attacker.
Grampian Police officer Gavin Haigh was one of the first officers on the scene after he was called out to a report of a vicious stabbing.
He turned up to the Aberdeen flat to find Elizabeth O'Halloran, 28, with a blade in her hand and her former boyfriend lying bleeding on the living room floor.
A terrified ambulance crew had attended the property but paramedics feared for their lives and could do nothing to help Neil McDonald.
When Constable Haigh turned up at the Portree Avenue property, O'Halloran refused to drop the knife but he managed to grab it from her hand.
The violent attacker was arrested and later found guilty after a three-day trial.
And today she was jailed for three years when she was sentenced at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Colin Harris said: "I cannot pass from this case without publicly recognising the part played by Constable Gavin Haigh in this incident.
"The victim of this assault was lying bleeding on the living room floor and the ambulance crew were unable to enter the room and render assistance to the injured victim for fear of the accused who was still in the room and had access to a knife."
The Sheriff said Constable Haigh placed himself between O'Halloran, who was agitated and aggressive, and his colleague.
He dropped his baton then tried to convince her to put the weapon down as she threatened him with it.
Sheriff Harris said: "The officer's prompt and courageous action prevented any further injury and allowed the ambulance crew to enter and attend to the injured victim.
"In my view, constable Haigh showed conspicious courage and exemplary dedication to duty in his conduct that day."
Aberdeen Division Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson said: "Gavin is a young and enthusiastic constable who is to be commended for his action in dealing with such a volatile and threatening situation.
"I am proud of the way Gavin acquitted himself, which is typical of the high level of commitment and determination shown by the people in this organisation.
"It's pleasing that a court has recognised Gavin's efforts in delivering a first class service to our communities."
PC Haigh, 28, who has been a police officer for seven years, said: "It's nice to be complimented on your performance, but I was only doing my job.”
