Why did a Countdown champion stab another contestant?

The attacker, John Cowen, believed he and his rivals were being 'cheated' because others were practicing the game online.

What history of abuse does John Cowen have?

Before stabbing a rival, Cowen sent racist threats and abusive messages to Countdown presenter Anne-Marie Imafidon.

What happened to John Cowen after the stabbing?

Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Cowen was ordered to be detained in a hospital indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Home / Crime and Justice / Countdown Champ Stabs Rival Over Game Cheating Claims

Countdown Champ Stabs Rival Over Game Cheating Claims

27 Nov

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Summary

A former Countdown champion stabbed a rival at a fan gathering.
The attacker blamed his victim and community for 'cheating' online.
He had previously sent racist threats to a Countdown presenter.

Countdown Champ Stabs Rival Over Game Cheating Claims

John Cowen, a former Countdown champion, has been ordered to remain indefinitely in a hospital under the Mental Health Act following a violent attack. Cowen stabbed fellow contestant Thomas Carey during a fan gathering, fueled by a belief that the Countdown community was unfairly practicing online. This incident, however, is part of a larger pattern of disturbing behavior.

Prior to the stabbing, Cowen had engaged in a prolonged campaign of racist and threatening messages against Countdown presenter Anne-Marie Imafidon, even wishing her harm. Despite pleading guilty to these offenses and being issued a restraining order, Cowen's behavior escalated. He later breached the order, leading to further community service.

Concerns have been raised about missed opportunities to intervene earlier, with Dr. Imafidon suggesting a lack of understanding regarding the severity of Cowen's actions. The interconnectedness of his abusive acts across different platforms and communities appears to have been overlooked, raising questions about how such dangerous escalation could have been prevented.