Soldier who was stabbed with screwdriver while tackling thief scoops police bravery award
An off-duty soldier who was stabbed in the shoulder with a screwdriver as he tackled a car crook has been honoured by police for his heroism.
Scott Barrett, 47, grappled with the thief who had smashed a window and was leaning into his van, stealing his mobile phone.
Mr Barrett caught him after a short foot chase and announced 'you're coming with me' and started to take him back towards the supermarket.
But, as Mr Barrett, who has 30 years military service, wrestled to detain Michael Skeldon, he was stabbed with a screwdriver on the car park, of Wolverhampton's Asda store.
Undeterred the soldier, from Cannock and who serves with the Staffordshire regiment, frogmarched the 38-year-old into the supermarket where officers attending on an unrelated matter arrested the man.
Skeldon, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years and three months at Wolverhampton Crown Court in November, having been found guilty of assault and theft from a motor vehicle. He was also ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.
Presenting him with his Good Citizen award, Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "Mr Barrett showed great courage and tenacity in restraining the offender, despite a violent confrontation."
The crime happened at around 7.40pm on September 25 last year.
Mr Barrett was presented with his award at a special ceremony at West Midlands Police's training centre in south Birmingham on Tuesday.
