Golden grandad
Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date published: 09 July 2009
Have-a-go-hero, 83, honoured for tackling gun thug
AN 83-YEAR-OLD war veteran who tackled a gun-wielding robber in an Oldham bookies has been presented with a gold bravery award.
Sidney Bannister was at the Coral bookmakers in Lees when 30-year-old Henry Rockson walked in armed with a ball-bearing gun.
Rockson demanded the contents of the till, but was grabbed in a headlock by the Lees grandfather.
Despite pleas for help, nine other customers refused to move as Rockson twice beat Mr Bannister over the head with the gun before fleeing.
But the retired HGV driver managed to remove the thug’s mask during the struggle, making him identifiable on CCTV.
Rockson, responsible for a string of armed raids, was jailed for 12 years.
Mr Bannister, who served with the Royal Artillery Corps during the Second World War, was presented with the award last night during the National Police Public Bravery Awards at a ceremony in Manchester to mark his bravery and dedication to civic duty.
He said: “I had seen this man raise a gun at a woman and grab some money. I heard all the coins going on the floor and thought: ‘why should he be allowed to get away with it?’
“I didn’t think about the gun or being shot — I was more concerned about getting the guy so he wouldn’t be allowed to do this again.”
A total of 67 awards, 10 gold, 26 silver and 31 certificates of commendation, were given to members of the public.
Meredydd Hughes, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, and honorary secretary of the awards, said: “It is pleasing to be able to formally thank those public-spirited people who have assisted the police in fighting crime in the community.
“They are to be commended for their courage and for being an example to us all.”
