Top honour for killed policeman

The detective joined West Midlands Police in 1990

A policeman who died trying to make an arrest has been awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal - the highest award ever given to a West Midlands officer.

Det Con Michael Swindells, 44, was stabbed in Aston, Birmingham, by a man who had threatened people with a knife and attacked a police dog in 2004.

Glaister Earl Butler was 49 when he was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The medal is granted for acts of "exemplary bravery".

West Midlands Police's Chief Constable, Paul Scott-Lee, said: "In the police service every day you work with heroes but you do not know it.

"The events surrounding this tragedy highlights the dangers that police officers put themselves in on a daily basis to protect members of the public.

Michael's family lost a brave son, father and husband Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee

"This officer did the right thing but the end was tragic.

"Michael's family lost a brave son, father and husband, while colleagues within the police service lost a friend."

On 21 May 2004 a council worker went to a maisonette to carry out routine repair work when he was threatened by Butler, the occupier of the flat, wielding a large kitchen knife.

The council worker escaped and called the police.

Butler later threatened officers with the knife and attacked a police dog with it before running off along a canal towpath under the M6 motorway.

Det Con Swindells heard the pursuit over his radio and ran towards the incident.

The officer shouted at Butler to stop but was stabbed in the abdomen, penetrating his heart.

Colleagues pursued Butler for a further 2km (1.24 miles) before firearms officers arrested him following a violent struggle.

'Ultimate sacrifice'

Butler was sentenced to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Scott-Lee said: "On his application form to join West Midlands Police, DC Swindells wrote that he wanted 'to uphold the country's law and to play his part in making this country safe for everyone'.

"He achieved that ambition by making the ultimate sacrifice - giving his own life while protecting the communities of Aston and the lives of his fellow colleagues."

Det Con Swindells, who left a wife, Carole, and a 19-year-old daughter, Kelly, joined West Midlands Police in 1990.

His widow said: "I am very pleased that my husband's bravery has been recognised with this award."