Ex-Countdown champion detained in hospital after attacking rival player with knife

Wed, 26 Nov 2025

John Cowen, who has schizophrenia, to remain in hospital for ‘indefinite duration’ after attack on player at tournament

A former Countdown champion has been detained in a hospital for treatment after attacking a rival player with a knife during a tournament.

Preston crown court heard that John Cowen, 31, ran across a room in Blackpool to attack a fellow player, Thomas Carey, before being restrained by attenders. The space had been hosting a Focal Countdown Group event, where former Countdown champions and contestants faced fans in spelling and number challenges.