Brave man wins praise (From Barry And District News)

Brave man wins praise

A HAVE-A-GO hero from Dinas Powys who tackled an escaping thief has been commended by Vale police for his bravery.

Paul Marks, aged 46, was knocked off his feet by the man when he went to the rescue of a distressed neighbour - but recovered to give chase and capture the criminal.

DI Dave Runnalls, of Barry CID, said: "Mr Marks' actions are highly commendable and we will be making an application to make sure that his public-spiritedness is recognised."

The incident happened at around 9pm on Sunday, July 3, in Southra as Paul was returning home.

Paul suffered two breaks in his hands and cuts and bruises on his legs and arms after tackling the man.

He explained: "A neighbour told me that someone was acting suspiciously near the garages.

"As I went to investigate I heard a woman scream. I knew it was something serious because of the way she was screaming.

"Next thing I know this guy comes hurtling towards me, I'm telling him to stop and he's telling me to get out of the way.

"He ran right into me and knocked me down but I managed to get to my feet and chase him into the Gables. He was hiding in a hedge so I went in after him and managed to restrain him."

Other residents soon turned up to lend Paul a helping hand, and police were also on the scene within minutes.

He added: "It was just a natural reaction. The adrenaline was pumping and there was no way I was going to let him get away.

"People's reactions have been very different. Some have said good on you, others have said that I must be nuts to have done it.

"Although it caused me a lot of pain I think I would be stupid enough to do it again.

"What infuriated me more was that I had my own car broken into on the Saturday night."