The courage of ordinary people who risked their lives to stop crime was celebrated at a ceremony in Sheffield on Monday 28 November 2022.
Heroic Woman Stops Attack in Maidstone
In the early hours of Saturday 21 August 2021, Teresa Locke was working at a taxi firm in Maidstone when she heard screams. A man had grabbed a young woman, choked her, and shoved her against shutters. Teresa leapt to her rescue.
The attacker punched Teresa, breaking her glasses, then dragged the victim to a nearby car park where he started to sexually assault her. Teresa didn’t hesitate — she rushed back with a security guard to pull the man off and locked the terrified victim safely inside the taxi office.
The attacker raged at the window but fled before police arrived. He was later arrested and jailed for three years in June 2022.
Binney Medal for Outstanding Bravery
Teresa received the prestigious Binney Medal, given for exceptional bravery. The medal honours Sir Ralph Binney, a naval captain who died trying to stop an armed robbery.
The award was handed over by Kent Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard and National Police Chiefs’ Council Chairman Martin Hewitt.
“It was an absolute privilege to be present to see Teresa recognised for her extraordinary actions,” said ACC Pritchard. “Members of the public aren’t trained like officers yet still step in to protect others. It’s humbling and Teresa fully deserves her commendation.”
