An extremely brave 66-year-old Handforth resident is being praised by police after confronting a man who was attempting to break into a local business.
Richard John spotted Paul Robinson from Heald Green trying to break into the Dilshad restaurant on Wilmslow Road at about 3.30pm on Tuesday 14th May.
The retired grandfather of two, who was alerted to the incident by his dogs barking, challenged the thug and was attacked as a result.
He told wilmslow.co.uk "I could see somebody was up to no good. I challenged him and tried to detain him but he was trying to get off.
"I tried to direct him to the main road, in the hope somebody would help, but he took a hammer out of his bag and took a swing at me. I tried to trap him in an armlock and then I got him in a bear hug to stop him from swinging at me again but then he started biting me and hitting me in the legs with the hammer to get me to release him.
"I couldn't get anyone's attention so I tried to manoeuvre him near the front of the house and shouted to my neighbour to help me retain him. The police then came pretty quickly."
Mr John, who celebrated his 66th birthday last month, was in and out of hospital following the incident, is still reliant upon the use of one crutch and will be starting a course of physiotherapy shortly.
Paul Robinson, 44, had a collection of tools in his bag, a screwdriver in his hand and a long file with a pointed end concealed in the arm of his jacket.
Mr John explained "The adrenaline just took over. He eventually had to give up but in the meantime I took a few more bites and hits with the hammer.
"There have been several break-ins around the area and when I saw it happening on my doorstep I just took it upon myself to detain him - not realising the circumstances. I just acted without thinking about it."
Richard John, a retired buying manager for the Co-operative Group, has been recommended for a commendation - to be recognised by the senior management team at Cheshire Police.
Detective Sergeant Dan Ackerley said "Whilst we wouldn't always advocate confronting people involved in criminality I have to say that Richard John showed the ultimate in bravery and courage with what he personally did, despite being in a vulnerable location.
"He was out of sight of anyone else with someone who was younger and physically fitter than himself. He managed to hold on to him for a period of five minutes despite suffering an horrendous attack.
"He refused to be beaten, he refused to be overpowered and he deserves the highest recognition. I will make sure I do what I can to achieve that."
Paul Robinson from Arden Close, Heald Green appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 4th June when he was sentenced to 30 months in prison after admitting two counts of attempted burglary, assault and having an offensive weapon.
DS Ackerley added "It was a really good team effort. CID worked with the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Police Unit who managed this investigation and did a great job in achieving a good resolution to this in less than a month."
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