Hero Teresa Locke awarded Binney Medal after stopping attacker in Maidstone
Fearless fight against attacker
On Monday 28 November 2022, brave Teresa Locke was honoured in Sheffield for her daring rescue at a Maidstone taxi firm. Teresa risked her own safety to protect a young woman from a violent attacker during the early hours of Saturday 21 August 2021.
The offender approached a girl waiting for a taxi, grabbing her around the waist and choking her against shutters. Teresa, working nearby, heard the screams and jumped in. Despite being punched in the face and having her glasses broken, she didn’t back down.
When the attacker dragged the victim to a car park and began a sexual assault, Teresa returned with a security guard. Together, they pulled the attacker off and rushed the girl to safety inside the taxi office. The attacker banged on the window before fleeing the scene. He was arrested and jailed for three years in June 2022.
Binney Medal for outstanding courage
Teresa’s heroism earned her the prestigious Binney Medal, given for acts of exceptional bravery. The award honours Sir Ralph Binney, a naval captain who died trying to stop an armed robbery.
Teresa received her medal from Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard and Martin Hewitt, Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
“It was an absolute privilege to see Teresa recognised for her extraordinary actions,” said ACC Pritchard.
“While our officers are trained for incidents like this, members of the public are not. It’s humbling that Kent residents will risk their own safety for others.
“She fully deserves her commendation.”
