Boy, 11, Smashes Attacker with Vacuum Cleaner to Save Mum
Eleven-year-old Leon was handed a bravery certificate by Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan after he heroically protected his mum during a violent attack.
“Really well done. It would have been easy to be scared and leave the room. Many older children wouldn’t have handled it as well as you,”
ACC Nolan told Leon. His certificate praised his “quick thinking to ensure police were contacted.”
Mum Attacked in Brutal Domestic Horror
Leon’s mum, Vickie, had a few months relationship with Daniel Newton when an argument on December 2, 2019, turned deadly. Furious that Vickie came home late from work, Newton pushed her down the stairs, then threw her into the kitchen.
There Newton attacked her on the floor with a kitchen knife. Vickie broke her hand defending herself as Newton began to strangle her.
Leon’s Quick Action Saves Life
Leon saw his mum in danger and shouted to his younger siblings, Lily, 10, and Ethan, 9, to stay clear. Running into the kitchen, he grabbed the vacuum cleaner pipe and hit Newton on the back.
Startled, Newton loosened his grip. Vickie told Leon to ring the police. Leon instructed Ethan to alert the neighbours. When Newton fled, Leon ran outside to ask neighbours to call 999 while Vickie called the police from her phone.
Officers from Basildon Local Policing Team arrived swiftly, and Newton was arrested the next day.
Leon told ACC Nolan: “After hitting Danny and weakening his grip, I told Lily to find Mum’s phone and Ethan to knock on a neighbour’s door. I just focused on Mum. Afterwards, the police came really fast.”
Attacker Jailed After Conviction
Newton was convicted on June 26, 2020, at Basildon Crown Court. He was sentenced to two years and seven months for two counts of actual bodily harm, though he denied grievous bodily harm.
PC Emma Taylor from Basildon Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, impressed by Leon’s bravery, arranged for the certificate presentation. She also secured Legoland tickets for the family as a treat.
“What struck me was how brave Leon was and how he realised he had to protect his mum. His quick thinking saved her life,” said PC Taylor.
“He deserved this recognition – most kids would have been terrified.”
Clare’s Law Means Newton’s Violent Past Won’t Be Hidden
Thanks to Newton’s conviction, any future partner who checks his history under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (known as Clare’s Law) will be warned of his violent past.
PC Taylor highlighted how Vickie’s courage in supporting the prosecution will protect others:
“If anyone is worried about a partner’s violent history, Clare’s Law lets them find out. Vickie’s bravery means Newton’s convictions will be disclosed to future partners.”
For more info on Clare’s Law, visit Essex Police.
