2 Islanders have been presented with Justice Awards by the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight for their actions in protecting a woman who was being viciously assaulted by her ‘seriously violent’ boyfriend.
36-year-old Tommy Barnes from Ryde and 38-year-old Jack Smeeton from East Cowes were recognised during a ceremony at the Crown Court yesterday (Monday) during which they were presented with a certificate by the High Sheriff, Kay Marriott, as well as cheques for £400 each.
The decision to award the pair for their efforts was made by Judge Timothy Mousley KC using his powers under a 200-year-old law. Section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1826 enables the courts to order that compensation is paid to individuals who have gone above and beyond to help bring someone to justice and/or assist a victim of crime.
It’s thought to be the first time in over 20 years that Justice Awards have been given out locally.
It follows an incident in Newport Town Centre last June in which 35-year-old Bruno Borges assaulted his girlfriend, knocking her to the floor and chipping her tooth. The domestic abuser was later jailed for this assault and previous assaults on his partner and Police, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Mr Barnes, a former bus driver for Southern Vectis, was recognised for his actions in stepping in to put an end to a ‘violent and persistent’ assault by Bruno Borges. Mr Barnes used reasonable force and struck Borges once, knocking him out cold.
Mr Smeeton, a controller for Southern Vectis, provided assistance during the incident. He also ensured that the victim was taken to a place of safety and was supported ahead of the arrival of emergency services.
In his address, Judge Mousley KC said:
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome you all today so you can receive these awards from the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight. It’s an opportunity for the courts, on behalf of the public, to recognise your actions to diffuse a situation that showed marks of developing into a seriously violent situation.
“On 9th June 2022 you witnessed a violent and persistent assault by a man on a woman whom he was in a relationship with. The man had been violent, coercive and controlling on more than 1 previous occasion.
“Mr Barnes you positioned your bus so the incident would be recorded on CCTV. You approached him [Borges] to try and calm things. You did everything that could be expected but he persisted with his violent attack. With no alternative you used reasonable force, striking the man once which rendered him unconscious.
“You showed courage in doing so as you didn’t know if he was armed, under the influence of drink or drugs or whether he would attack you. You prevented the attack on the woman and Mr Smeeton you provided necessary help.
“It’s clear watching the video recording each of you had gone far above and beyond what would be expected of the public in normal circumstances. Your actions helped bring someone to justice. It resulted in the defendant pleading guilty to virtually all charges against him. In December last year he was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
“I have exercised my ancient powers under Section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1826 and I have ordered the High Sheriff to pay rewards to you.
In what was one of her last acts during her time in office, High Sheriff Kay Marriot said:
“You have shown great courage and a great service in the apprehension and conviction of a criminal.
“Very well done to the pair of you”.
Brilliant well done to you both …
this law needs updating and made more aware to encourage people to step in to help people in dangerous situations…
Would it still of been reasonable force if tommy had killed the man with one blow?
Tommy didnt know the outcome of his daring actions!!! it was a gamble with a mans life, hes a big lad and should of restrained the guy. We shouldnt be promoting have a go heros to try and kill people….
You ever tried restraining a nutter? Thought not.
Quite right, Tony. I love it when people talk about ‘restraining’ violent drunks/druggies or just violent people. I’ve been a club bouncer and had a pub in innercity Portsmouth forty years ago and I’ve seen as many as four coppers trying to restrain a small but out-of-his-head man and failing. It’s not like the movies.
And yet you make no comment about the reptile of a man who has knocked his partner to the floor, she may have banged her head on the pavement?… Supposing he had not intervened as he did.. She could be dead! Yet you worry about a woman beater being “hurt”? Get a life.
What all men should be like but luckily out of the few that’s not and on here commenting on and slaggingboff yh e island these GENTS they derseve a lot more then that and just shows there are some normal people on this island that no right from wrong
Should give them both police uniforms.
Well done to both and more so to Tommy for knocking the **** out with one blow.