A Northumbrian farmer whose brave intervention helped catch and convict a paedophile has been praised by a chief constable at a national awards ceremony.
George Common was recognised at the Police Public Bravery Awards in London on Tuesday (October 30).
The awards were set up by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to thank those who have risked their lives to protect the public.
George was recognised for his part in catching a paedophile who was abusing a young boy in a car near to his farm in rural Northumberland.
George had been checking stock when he noticed a car parked in a remote lay-by near the field and decided to check it out.
When the 60-year-old farmer approached the car, he saw a man abusing a naked schoolboy. He bravely intervened, trying to rescue the young boy from the car.
Despite, the skirmish, George was able to take down the car’s registration number and give officers descriptions of the man that later proved critical in identifying the suspect.
Following the incident, Louis Murray (22) was later arrested and jailed for 11 years after admitting a string of child sex offences.
‘I knew something wasn’t right’
George said: “When I saw the car parked up, I was conscious that something wasn’t right.
“Hearing all of the stories [at the awards] – some of them sad and upsetting – made me feel privileged to have been invited.
“It was out of this world and I’ll never forget it. It was great to hear all about members of the community working with the police to be their eyes and ears.”
Another member of the public, Paul Magnay was also given a medal for attempting to save the lives of three men by pulling them from a burning car in Gateshead.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen praised both men for their actions.
“It was a real honour and humbling experience to see such incredible acts of bravery formally recognised,” he said.
In coming to the aid of people they didn’t even know, these selfless individuals showed no regard for their own safety.
“I want to publically thank them for their heroics. I am extremely proud of each of them and we can consider ourselves very fortunate to have such remarkable people living and working here in the North East.”
