West Bromwich have-a-go hero is to receive £250 reward
Have-a-go heroes chased a robber who grabbed a woman's handbag in a temple, a court heard. A judge praised the actions of Anthony Simpson who went to the aid of Ranjit Kaur after her bag containing £3,000 was snatched.
CCTV footage was shown at Wolverhampton Crown Court of Gurnam Dulai watching his victim in HSBC in West Bromwich High Street as she withdraw the cash to buy a car. He was then seen following her into the Guru Nanak temple in Edward Street, and into an area where visitors take off their shoes.
As her back was turned – and when she had no shoes on – Dulai took the bag and ran. The victim followed, chasing him outside and grabbing back her bag.
The thief then punched her and knocked her to the ground before running off .
Mrs Kaur continued to chase him, and Mr Simpson intervened.
Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said Dulai offered to give Mr Simpson half the cash if he let him go, but he refused and took the bag and money, returning them to Mrs Kaur. Dulai escaped, but blood found on Mr Simpson's jacket was linked to him and he was arrested in October. Dulai, 44, admitted robbery and was sentenced to a 30-month jail term.
In mitigation, Miss Kate Thomas said her client, of no fixed address, had admitted the offence, which took place on September 21, and had become troubled five years ago when his four-year-old son died of cancer.
She said he became hooked on heroin and crack cocaine, and the money was needed to feed his £100-a-day habit.
Judge Granville Mr Simpson's actions should be rewarded with £250.
