London SE1 community website

Bravery awards for men who tackled Waterloo thieves

London SE1 website team

Two men who helped to apprehend thieves at Waterloo station were among those presented with bravery awards at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.

Dr Khalid Hameed and Sir Ian Blair
High Sheriff of Greater London Dr Khalid Hameed with Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair

Acts of bravery and citizenship were recognised by the High Sheriff of Greater London Dr Khalid Hameed at a special ceremony at the Crown Court off Tooley Street.

Dr Hameed told the 22 men and women presented with awards: "I congratulate and thank all who extended a helping hand to a fellow citizen in their hour of need – we are all proud of you."

In June 2006 Blackfriars Crown Court heard how Sebastian Rogers, a 36 year old designer from Fulham, came to the aid of a 90-year-old lady being robbed at Waterloo Station.

Despite being attacked as he intervened he remained at the scene to ensure the victim got the help she needed and her attacker was apprehended. His actions led to the sentencing of Janine Sealy to four years imprisonment.

In an earlier incident corporate dinance advisor and ex-army officer Michael Grant from Fleet in Hampshire responded to calls for help from a lady who had her handbag stolen at Waterloo underground station on 27 October 2004. Mr Grant identified and set off in pursuit of the suspect.

His quick reaction and observation of the suspect through crowds of commuters led to the arrest of Amjad Meer who was subsequently convicted of robbery. The judge commended Mr Grant, who left the army in 2005, for his persistence, courage and fitness.

Figures published last year showed that Waterloo was the London station with the second highest level of recorded crime.

Also presented with an award was Bermondsey student Johnson Sawaye, 38, who intervened to end an attack on a medical student who had been pushed to the ground, robbed of his wallet and was being repeatedly punched and kicked. Despite having a broken arm Mr Sawaye apprehended one of the assailants and detained him until police arrived. A youth was sentenced to imprisonment in a young offenders institution on 11 August 2006.

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.