Brave Sheffield bus driver rugby tackled needle-wielding thug who attacked woman in city centre

A Sheffield bus driver has been awarded a superintendent’s commendation for bravery after he tackled a robber in the city centre.
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Wayne Green was walking along Norfolk Row towards Fargate on the morning of Friday, March 27 when he spotted a man aggressively asking a woman for money in the street.

He decided to keep an eye on the pair, suspicious of the man’s behaviour.

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Moments later the man pushed the woman, grabbed her wrist and snatched her purse out of her hands before running away.

Bus driver Wayne Green receives his police commendation for bravery.Bus driver Wayne Green receives his police commendation for bravery.
Bus driver Wayne Green receives his police commendation for bravery.

Wayne gave chase and rugby tackled the man to the ground, challenging him over taking the purse and detaining him while others called the police.

While holding on to the attacker, Wayne realised the man underneath him was waving a needle around and subsequently let go, fearing for his own safety and that of those around him.

He managed to retrieve the purse and helped monitor and track the attacker until officers arrived.

Pictured is Donovan Gaskin, aged 35, of no fixed abode, who was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court for three-years and eight-months after he pleaded guilty to robbery and affray.Pictured is Donovan Gaskin, aged 35, of no fixed abode, who was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court for three-years and eight-months after he pleaded guilty to robbery and affray.
Pictured is Donovan Gaskin, aged 35, of no fixed abode, who was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court for three-years and eight-months after he pleaded guilty to robbery and affray.
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Donovan Gaskin, 35, of Honeywell Street, Barnsley, was charged with robbery and after pleading guilty was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison on 4 May.

Chief Superintendent Una Jennings said: “It is absolutely vital that we acknowledge moments of pure brilliance and bravery from members of the public. Wayne leapt into action that day and did a fantastic job, purely on instinct and the desire to help someone else.

“There is no doubt his actions meant Gaskin was detained quickly by officers and that the victim had her belongings safely returned. It is also heartening to see people are prepared to defend others, well done Wayne.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.