‘Hero’ van driver gets police gong

Feb 18 2009 by Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

A “HEROIC” VAN driver who grappled with a violent thief he spotted attacking a woman at a cashpoint machine is to be honoured for his bravery.

Ian Suffolk leapt from his vehicle and grabbed the thief who moments earlier had snatched money from a young woman and shoved her to the ground in Great Hampton Row, Newtown.

Mr Suffolk restrained the thief until police arrived at the scene. The man was charged with robbery over the July 2007 incident and jailed for two years.

Mr Suffolk, from Newtown, will be presented with a Good Citizens Award at the West Midlands Police awards event tomorrow to honour police and the public for their courage in dealing with potentially dangerous incidents.

Four officers from Stechford will also receive awards.

Sgt Neil Aston and PCs Nadine Starkie and Alan Price will receive Chief Constable’s Commendations for bravery. PC Saffron Banner will receive a Chief Constable’s Commendation as she grappled with a man who drove off with her hanging on to the door.