Brave neighbour who stopped Willenhall burglary given award
A courageous neighbour who suffered a fractured cheekbone when making a citizen's arrest has received a national award.
Steven Millard spotted burglar John Rhodes escaping through his neighbour's window in Willenhall.
He took on the thief and was punched in the face, but despite suffering the serious facial injury he pinned Rhodes down for six minutes until police arrived at the scene.
Mr Millard put himself at risk of further injury as Rhodes was lashing out with a screwdriver at the time.
But he and another unnamed Good Samaritan successful apprehended Rhodes, who was later jailed for four years.
Mr Millard, aged 51, has now picked up a Police Public Bravery Medal after being nominated by West Midlands Police along with his fellow 60-year-old neighbour.
Detective Constable Charlotte Parkes from Walsall Police praised the pair for their brave actions.
She said: "Some people question whether community spirit exists these days but examples like this show it's very much alive and well.
"These two men realised a neighbour's property had been attacked and spotted the man responsible trying to escape - and were determined he wouldn't get away.
"Rhodes was thrashing around violently, punched Steven in the face and bit the other Good Samaritan on the thigh - but they kept him pinned down for six minutes until police back-up arrived to make an arrest.
"Without their intervention he could have got away with the stolen property. I'm delighted their bravery has been officially noted with a national award."
The dramatic incident unfolded in October last year in Wolverhampton Road West.
Rhodes, 44 and from Bilston, pleaded guilty to burglary, assault and wounding last December and as well as his jail term was ordered to pay £750 in compensation at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
