Bravery award for woman who intervened after vicious assault

A COURAGEOUS Barnsley woman, who risked her life to intervene when a man was attacked with a pickaxe handle outside her home, has been officially recognised for her bravery.

Nadine Boids, inset, from Elsecar, was woken by a disturbance in the early hours of November 27 last year.

She saw 29-year-old Neil Bailey, of Gray Street, Elsecar, attacking a 25-year-old man with the large instrument.

Ms Boids immediately ran from her house to try to stop the fight.

Detective Constable Louise Little of South Yorkshire Police, who investigated the incident, said: “Nadine started shouting at the pair, in a bid to try and breakup the altercation and at points, tried to grab Bailey and push him away from the victim. “Her actions managed to defuse the situation and Bailey left the scene, before a criminal investigation was launched and he was arrested two days later. “This was a sustained, violent attack which left the victim with a broken leg, numerous cuts and severe bruising all over his body. “Nadine put herself at risk of serious harm and I genuinely believe she saved the victim from this vicious attack, which had she not intervened, could have caused further, lifethreatening injuries to him.” Bailey appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday this week, where he was jailed for three years for grievous bodily harm after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Chief Superintendent Scott Green, who presented Ms Boids with a certificate for her actions, said: “Nadine’s bravery was witnessed by several other neighbours and members of the public, who subsequently came out of their houses to help.

“I’d like to thank each and every one of them who helped to diffuse the situation, but in particular Nadine, who selflessly and courageously approached a dangerous situation to help prevent further and more serious harm to the victim.

“I feel incredibly proud that Nadine is a member of our community and feel honoured to have been able to present her with a commendation for her actions on that day.”

Details of the award were released by police yesterday.