Brave Arun wins top police award for tackling yobs who attacked bus driver

Arun Collier, who was kicked and punched during the confrontation with the yobs, said he had to help because he could not stand back and watch the man get hurt.

He was presented with the Chief Constable's Young Person Award by West Midlands Police's top officer Chris Sims at a special awards ceremony.

The fearless teenager went to the rescue when National Express driver Davie Langston was attacked by 27-year old Aaron Stokes, Richard Russell, aged 23, and Daniel Homer, 25, at a stop in St Lawrence Way, Darlaston.

Another young passenger was left in tears as the trio smashed a window in the bus and beat up the driver during a drink-fuelled rampage on October 9.

They turned on Arun from Bentley when he ordered them to stop, hurling racial abuse along with punches at the schoolboy who was knocked to the floor by a blow over the head with a bottle before Stokes stamped on the head of the young victim who was being held down by Russell.

The three thugs fled as police arrived at the scene but were all quickly caught thanks to Arun managing to give very accurate descriptions of the louts despite being partially concussed.

Russell and Stokes were soon tracked down to nearby gardens where they were attempting to hide while Homer was arrested later that night from his home address.

Arun's citation read: "He told officers he had to do something and could not simply stand back and watch the driver get hurt. He put himself in harm's way in order to protect a complete stranger so it it hard to think of a more deserving recipient of a bravery award."

The schoolboy also received a Judge's commendation when the culprits were dealt with at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this year.

Stokes from Wolverhampton Road, Wednesbury, who had 19 previous convictions involving 43 offences, was jailed for 22 months.

Russell of Wellington Road, Bilston received a 20-month prison term and Homer from Wood Green Road, Wednesbury and of previous good character was given a 12-month sentence suspended under supervision for two years with 200 hours unpaid work, a three month night time curfew and £235 costs and compensation.

All three pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage.

Jenny Tocknell, General Manager at National Express in Walsall, said: "We are very grateful for the support offered by Arun to our driver. The award is extremely well deserved."