Apparently, the 16 year-old boy reacted without thought when he saw someone push over two female police officers before running away. The student dropped his bag containing his tablet and phone, and sprinted after the attacker, hoping he could tackle him. He simply acted on instinct while he chased the thug before bringing him down.
The keen kick-boxer, has now been awarded a police bravery award for his actions. He plans to join the police force.
The thug pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer and received 100 hours of community service.
In England, the locals call people who strike out at those who are committing crimes or attempt to rescue someone in danger 'have-a-go-heroes'.
The government wants to protect emergency workers and the public from legal consequences if they intervene in good faith to help someone in difficulty.
Similar legislation operates in many other countries. Australia has reduced the potential for negligence claims against doctors, police and firefighters, as well as ordinary members of the public. In France, there is a specific obligation on citizens to help others in distress, and they risk prosecution if they do not. In Canada, any rescuer who has voluntarily helped a victim in distress is legally protected from being successfully sued.
Nobody should have to fear the consequences if they help a stranger in need. Nor should they worry about legal repercussions if they make a mistake in a rescue attempt or treatment.
In in September 2007, a ten-year-old boy rescued his young sister from a pond, but then drowned. Community support officers stood by. They were told not to intervene as they had not undertaken water rescue health and safety training.
How shocking. The law really is an 'ass' sometimes.
Have you, or someone you know, ever been a good Samaritan?