Award for the hero PC who tackled gunman
A POLICE officer who chased and arrested a gunman who had just robbed a Stockport takeaway has been honoured for his bravery.
PC Robert Shakespeare, 34, gave chase after the crook threatened staff at Wing Lee, on Manchester Road, Heaton Chapel, and made off with just £20 cash.
Despite the robber still carrying the gun, PC Shakespeare knocked him off his bike then after a short pursuit caught him and made the arrest.
And the officer of 15 years was rewarded for his efforts at the greater Manchester Police STARS Awards, held at the Imperial War Museum on Friday evening.
He was given the bravery award having been one of three shortlisted for the honour.
PC Shakespeare, part of the intelligence team at Cheadle Heath station, said: “The other people had done something equally brave so it was a surprise but it’s nice to be recognised.
“He had made threats to the public with what was believed to have been a firearm so I made the decision to intervene.
“It was a momentary decision, the concern was he had the potential to cause harm - I thought I would have one opportunity to detain him before it went too far.
“I felt confident I would be quick enough to grab hold of him before he could discharge (the gun). I didn’t have time to worry, I’ve done the job a long time so am confident of dealing with a range of hostility.”
The robber, a 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been carrying an imitation firearm.
Following his arrest - on June 15 this year - he appeared at Stockport Magistrates Court and was given a 12-month youth referral order.
He had pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm at a previous hearing.
At the ceremony Jennie McAlpine, better known as Fiz from Coronation Street, handed out the awards. Dignitaries including Vice Lord-Lieutenant Edith Conn and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd also attended.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “All the nominations were incredibly strong.
“It’s great to see the commitment and dedication our colleagues and volunteers have.
“The judges had a really tough job to narrow down all the nominations, which just shows us the final winners are extra special.”