Walsall heroes help put shoplifter behind bars
A brave disabled man and his heroic son have told how they restrained a 'dangerous' shoplifter and helped put him back behind bars.
Speaking to the Express & Star Brett Robertson, 23, described how 'adrenaline' kicked in when the thief started stuffing his pockets at Blakenall Village Centre pharmacy.
While he revealed how the chaotic scenes which unfolded saw his 56-year-old father Charlie shoved to the floor injuring his hip, while afterwards the duo had to be checked for Hepatitis C at A&E as a precaution.
The pair have now been handed a Good Citizens Award for their actions by West Midlands Police.
They initially stopped the shoplifter leaving the pharmacy when staff rumbled his attempts to steal handfuls of items.
Brett and Charlie, from Stanley Street, cornered him and demanded he emptied his pockets. But in desperation the thief fled into a backroom where staff were conducting a job interview.
They followed and hauled him out but frail Charlie was shoved to the floor when the thief lashed out. But undeterred he got back to his feet and helped Brett restrain the suspect to the ground until police arrived.
Brett said: "It was all pretty chaotic. It was a pretty intense day. We ended up in A&E tested for Hepatitis C because of what happened which was a bit of shock.
"I wasn't particularly scared. He was not a big gentleman. Adrenaline just kicked in. Both of us don't like people who steal or bully others. It just came naturally to us."
Since their heroic actions which took place on the Friday morning, August 26 last year, have been revealed and the pair have been presented with their award, both Brett and Charlie have been inundated with good will messages and praise.
Brett added: "I don't think it's deserved. We just did what anyone else would do. But it has been a mad few days with all of the messages."
Charlie said that he was shocked to find out they would be receiving an award.
He said: "It came as a complete surprise to me but I am very proud."
West Midlands Police confirmed the shoplifter 31-year-old Kevin Bernard Stewart was wanted on a recall to prison at the time. He was subsequently charged with shoplifting and common assault and sentenced to 20 weeks in prison at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court last year as well as ordered to pay £100 in compensation.
A force spokesman said: "Both men went above and beyond that day, putting themselves in harm’s way to detain a dangerous man, who was later found to be wanted on a recall to prison."
