Princess Michael of Kent has presented a bravery award to a pub landlord who risked his life by tackling a sword-wielding teenager. Fifty-three-year-old James Dockree was a little surprised by the Princess' candour, however, when she told him "you must be mad".
"She was probably right, but I was more nervous getting the award than during the actual event," said James. "I didn't expect to get anything for it and it's quite nice – it was quite an honour."
The reluctant hero was standing outside the Merryfellow Inn in Charlton Kings when the incident took place. He and an off-duty policeman were helping a friend search for his lost mobile phone, when a youth approached and pulled the 12-inch blade from his trousers.
The teenager threatened to kill the three men, before James and the off-duty officer tackled him and wrestled him to the ground. "It's still fresh in my mind – you don't forget things like that," he said.
James was one of 27 people honoured at the Gloucestershire Constabulary Awards. The ceremony, at the British Energy headquarters in Barnwood, served to honour the hard work, bravery and achievements of police officers and members of the public.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
