Crime victim seeks good Samaritan

Reporter: Lucy Kenderdine
Date published: 23 April 2015


An elderly woman is hoping to find the good samaritan who helped to catch the mugger who had attacked her.

A man attempted to steal the handbag of the 80-year-old woman, knocking her to the ground in the process, outside the Over 60s club in Broadway, Chadderton, last Thursday afternoon.

When he ran off he was chased by an off-duty prison officer, who caught the thief and retrieved the handbag, then waited with her until police arrived.

A woman, who contacted the Chronicle on behalf of the victim, neither of whom want to be named, is hoping to find the man and thank him.

She said: “This man deserves some recognition for what he did. He jumped into action. In such a rotten world, it’s nice that someone stood up for my friend. I for one would like to personally thank him for what he did.”

She added that they did not get the man’s name but is hoping he will find out about the appeal and get in touch.

The man - or anyone who knows him - can call the Chronicle so he can be put in touch with the woman and her friend.

Police have confirmed a 44 year old has been charged with personal robbery and will appear at Oldham Magistrates Court on May 8.