A have-a-go hero street sweeper who came to the aid of an 82-year-old woman whose purse had been stolen has been commended by the mayor.

Sutton's mayor Councillor Sean Brennan gave street sweeper Paul Robinson a commendation after he ignored his own safety by chasing down a suspected thief to get the elderly woman's handbag back in North Cheam on August 7.

Last month the Sutton Guardian reported how Mr Robinson, who has been keeping the borough's streets clean for Sutton Council for eight years, spotted Rose Bedborough running and saying 'he's got my purse, he's got my purse' in London Road.

Without a second's hesitation he gave chase and apprehended a suspect, getting the purse back in the process.

In recognition of his actions, Coun Brennan presented Mr Robinson with the commendation alongside council leader Coun Ruth Dombey on Wednesday. Coun Brennan said: "We are all very proud of Paul.

His bravery and quick-thinking are a real credit to him. He protected one of our residents in her hour of need without any thought of himself."

Coun Dombey added: "I would like to add my thanks to Paul for his remarkable civic-minded courage."

Since we featured Mr Robinson on the front page of the paper he has been congratulated by passers-by and even given a free beer in his local Indian restaurant - but it is the admiration of his eight-year-old daughter that pleases him the most.

He said: "Amy said that I was her hero and she was going to tell her teacher about what had happened. I must admit that really meant a lot to me.

"[Mrs Bedborough] is  nice lady and I’m glad I could help. I’d do it again if I had to - but I hope it doesn’t."

A 17-year-old from Croydon has been arrested and charged with the theft of the purse. He is due to appear at Croydon Youth Court later this month.

 

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