Marston Green couple who tackled armed burglar receive police bravery awards

BRAVERY: Lesley Scudamore receives the medals from
Chief Constable Chris Sims (right) and
Met Police CommissionerSir Bernard Hogan-Howe

A COURAGEOUS couple who tackled a knife-wielding burglar in Castle Bromwich have received national bravery awards.
Peter and Lesley Scudamore, both aged 42, had confronted and attempted to apprehend the crook, who had ransacked the home of an elderly war hero.
Lesley's cheek was slashed in the struggle and the burglar, Justin Irvine, was able to struggle free.
But the husband and wife, from Marston Green, were still able to provide police with a detailed description, which helped officers to track down the thief.
The drama had unfolded in Ronald Grove, a quiet cul-de-sac near Green Lane, in April 2012.
The Scudamores were dropping off a relative in the road at around teatime, when they noticed an elderly neighbour's window had been smashed.
Moments later, Irvine emerged from the address laden with items - including pocket watches that the pensioner had carried through the Second World War.
The plucky pair tried to block the burglar's escape. Peter, who walks with a stick, had grappled with the thief and both men fell to the floor, with Lesley trying to help pin the man to the ground. Irvine managed to get loose and run away despite their valiant efforts.
Following the skirmish, Lesley needed four stitches for the knife wound. But despite the ordeal, the couple were composed enough to tell police about a distinctive red blemish on the burglar's cheek.
This description led police to Irvine, who was discovered with his hands still covered in blood and the watches on his person.
In recognition of their efforts, the Scudamores were nominated for Police Public Bravery Medals and Lesley collected their awards at the Association of Chief Police Officers ceremony last week.
Det Con Chris Burt said: “They both acted bravely to protect the property of a vulnerable neighbour, a man in his 90s, and were determined the burglar wouldn’t get away with what were items of huge sentimental value.
“Undoubtedly this was a shocking incident for them and it would have been understandable had their minds gone blank when trying to provide officers with a description of their attacker. They thoroughly deserve their bravery medals."
Irvine, 34, of Halesowen, later admitted two counts of wounding and was jailed for five years by Warwick Crown Court.