Have-a-go hero left with leg in cast after charging at man trying to break into neighbours Wolverhampton house
A have-a-go hero who bravely tackled a man trying to break into a neighbour's house with a hammer has told how he would do it all over again – despite damaging knee ligaments and being forced to wear a cast.
Michael Carless, from Fallings Park, charged after the man in the Croft Lane area despite almost dying from a heart attack just two years ago.
Even after causing damage to the cruciate ligament in his leg he managed to grab the man, who was armed with a hammer and a screwdriver, and subdue him until his brother-in-law and a friend arrived on the scene to help.
Passing PCSOs were then called to attend and shortly after the man was arrested.
Mr Carless, who is 47 and works as a material controller, said: "My bedroom window looks onto one of the neighbours.
"I looked outside and I saw him using a screwdriver. I thought he was trying to fix the door at first, but then he took out a hammer. I realised he was trying to break in.
"I ran downstairs and tried to get my mate and my brother-in-law to come out and help. I couldn't get an answer so I just thought, I've got to stop him.
"As I was running there I pulled something in the back of my leg, I thought I'd just pulled my hamstring so I carried on going.
"Somebody had locked the gate to stop him getting through but he still got past but I just managed to grab him and didn't let him go.
"My brother-in-law them came and helped me hold him.
"The officers were driving in a patrol car.
" I'd already told someone to call the police but fortunately they were close by."
"I haven't seen the guy whose house it was but I spoke to his mother-in law and she said he's really grateful and thanks very much.
"I'm really glad I caught him. He comes from around here so he could have tried to rob other houses in the area.
"It's not known for that kind of thing to happen around here really, it's not that kind of area."
Mr Carless' family backed his brave decision, even though he almost died just a couple of years ago.
He said: "I had a heart attack two years ago but I'll still run after somebody. I could have died, my arteries were all blocked. I had to have an operation.
"My family all just said 'I don't blame you.'
"My brother's got to run me around everywhere now though."
Martin Johnson, 26, of Croft Lane, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary at Walsall Magistrates Court on Monday morning.
He received a 60-day community order and will be subject to a 9pm to 7am curfew for the duration of that order.
He was also ordered to pay compensation to the victim.
"The local resident observed the male trying to force entry into the property and subsequent took action by detaining him prior to him leaving the area.
"Officers arrested the male at the scene and he was charged with the offence and subsequently convicted following pleading guilty at Walsall Magistrates Court."
"The member of public was brave in his actions but unfortunately he was injured during the incident which has led to him having his leg put in a cast.
"Officers attended his home address on Sunday afternoon with some chocolates and a thank you card because without his bravery and community spirit the male may not have been brought to justice.
"Everyone on the Low Hill Team wishes him a speedy recovery."
