A quick-thinking policeman sprinted after and caught a heartless robber who stole a 75-year-old woman’s handbag as she prayed in church.
Pc Jamie Martin was on patrol when he spotted the pensioner waving frantically for help.
After members of the public pointed out a man legging it from the scene, he jumped out of his car and gave chase.
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He wrestled the thug to the ground within two minutes and recovered the stolen handbag, which still contained all the woman’s belongings.
The shocking incident happened at the Cathedral Church of St. Barnabas in Nottingham.
The suspect, John McSalley, 41, was arrested and charged with robbery.
He appeared in court where he was jailed for 12 months and fined £100.
McSalley is a known violent offender.
Police later discovered he had crept into the church and snatched the handbag from beside the woman while she prayed.
Two worshippers tried to stop him, but he managed to flee until PC Martin caught up, as reported by Need To Know.
Pc Martin said: “I was on mobile patrol when I saw a woman in distress waving her hands towards me.
“I also saw a man running in front of her and immediately alerted the control room.
“As I turned the car around, I stopped on the corner of North Circus Street and spoke to the man running who informed me that a man had robbed a woman’s belongings and pointed in the direction he was travelling.
“As I left the police vehicle, other members of the public were pointing in the same direction, and I gave chase.
“I shouted at the suspect to stand still and show me his hands.
“I was not aware if he was carrying any weapons.
“I then placed him in an arm lock and took him to the ground where he was handcuffed and arrested on suspicion of robbery.
“When other police units arrived, I then carried out an immediate search of the area, determined to find the victim’s bag and get it back to her.
“I found it dumped over a small fence.
“I then stayed with the victim, who had sustained bruised fingers as a result of the robbery.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who gave me clear directions on where the suspect was heading so I could arrest him quickly.”
Sergeant Matthew West praised his officer’s bravery, saying: “His speedy actions in apprehending the suspect and locating the bag helped our CID department obtain key evidence in this case.
“This type of work is the very reason we all join the police – to protect the most vulnerable in our society and lock up those who seek to target them.
“Had it not been for PC Martin’s quick actions I have no doubt this offender would have got away with the victim’s belongings.
“What makes this more deserving of recognition is that PC Martin has carried out all of these actions and inquiries whilst single crewed.
“He gave chase to a violent offender without the support of any colleagues.
“He also stayed with the victim after the incident occurred and provided an exemplary service, with her welfare at the heart of every decision he made.”
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