A disturbing incident unfolded at a Countdown fan club tournament when John Cowen, 31, stabbed fellow contestant Thomas Carey in the upper arm. The attack occurred on September 14, 2024, at the Wainwright Social Club in Blackpool, during an event where former contestants faced off against fans of the popular Channel 4 quiz show. Cowen, a Cambridge maths graduate and a previous Countdown champion, reportedly felt "cheated" by other competitors who practised using an app. He has since been detained in a hospital for treatment after being deemed unfit for trial by Judge Guy Mathieson. The court heard that Cowen lunged at Carey with a knife, causing panic among the approximately 30 attendees present. CCTV footage showed Cowen entering the venue shortly after 11.30 BST, with a knife visible in his left hand. Witnesses described the moment Cowen ran towards Carey, who attempted to defend himself. "The defendant lunged across the table with his left hand going straight towards Mr Carey," said prosecutor Mrs Scott Bell. "Mr Carey was forced back onto the seat behind him and you can just about make out him trying to kick towards the defendant." Carey managed to grab Cowen's wrist in an effort to stop the assault but was ultimately stabbed in the left bicep. Others at the event intervened, dragging Cowen away and pinning him to the floor until police arrived. Upon his arrest, officers found another kitchen knife in Cowen's pocket. The court was informed that Carey had been part of the Countdown fan club since 2011 and had known Cowen from previous gatherings. During his testimony, Carey recounted hearing a "half-growl, half-scream" before seeing Cowen brandishing the knife. Defence attorney Jonathan Lally questioned Carey about Cowen's feelings of being cheated, to which Carey confirmed, "Yes, he said something like that at some point." Cowen, who was absent from court due to his mental health condition, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Judge Mathieson stated that Cowen had not provided an explanation for his actions, although he had expressed discontent regarding the use of the app by some attendees. The judge ordered Cowen to be detained in hospital indefinitely under Section 37/41 of the Mental Health Act, citing his hostile attitude towards treatment as a reason for the decision. "I am satisfied that you, Mr Cowen, are suffering from a mental disorder of such a nature that it is appropriate for you to be detained in hospital for medical treatment," Judge Mathieson concluded. Cowen will also be subject to a restriction order, meaning his release from hospital will require the consent of the Secretary of State for Justice.