Residents praised for tackling burglar

Thomas Harris, aged 25, is behind bars after being jailed for three years and a half years following the incident in Stourport.

Kidderminster Harriers steward Richard Foster was alerted to a disturbance in the garage of his home, in Lower Lickhill Road.

The homeowner gave chase, eventually catching Harris in nearby Mayberry Close, where Harris threatened to stab him with a syringe if he did not let go. Police said there was a scuffle during which they fell to the floor with Mr Forster hitting his head on the kerb, suffering a cut which required stitches. The 40-year-old sustained other injuries including cuts and scratches and a ruptured Achilles tendon. But officers said he continued to hold on to Harris. Neighbours heard his cries for help and dashed to his aid, restraining the burglar until police arrived to the incident at around 9pm on May 9.

Harris, of York Street, Stourport, admitted wounding with intent and burglary and was sentenced by Judge Robert Juckes at Worcester Crown Court last Thursday.

Today, Detective Constable Lloyd Davies, of West Mercia Police, said: "Harris is a prolific offender, with a long record of previous convictions. He was desperate to get away from the victim, threatening to stab him with a syringe and biting him in his efforts to escape, and it is to the victim's credit that he managed to hold on to him.

"When police arrived Harris was still struggling despite being held down by at least three members of the public.

"While we would not normally expect people to put themselves at risk by tackling offenders, in this case the brave actions of both the victim and his neighbours enabled us to make an immediate arrest, and we are very grateful to them."

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Foster also paid tribute to neighbours who came to his aid as he caught Harris. "I'm pleased with the sentence," said Mr Foster. "Even the judge thanked my neighbours and they were great. There is a community spirit and we all pulled together."