Have-a-go hero given bravery award for flattening robber

Mr Richardson, father of Leeds Rhinos star Ryan Bailey, received the Association of Chief Police Officers National Public Bravery Award.

The amateur rugby player and former judo enthusiast looked the robber in the face as he pointed the gun at him in the raid on the William Hill betting office in Burley, Leeds, and flattened him with a chair.

He then forced the gun from the raider’s hands and sat on him until police arrived.

Sending the robber, student Azar Sulman to a young offender institution for six years last May, Judge Scott Wolstenholme said Mr Richardson acted with “tremendous courage”.

Mr Richardson had been playing fruit machines when Sulman entered the office. He had forced cashier Dean Kay to hand over the cash, but was then confronted by Mr Richardson.

Later Mr Richardson described how he thought he was going to be shot when Sulman pointed his pistol at him when he blocked his escape route.

The judge awarded Mr Richardson £250 from the public purse. The awards recognise the public’s actions in backing the police in the fight to preserve law and order.