Conference 2001 - Awards of Excellence
Awards of Excellence - London North
John HOWLETT is a constable in British Transport Police based at London Liverpool Street.
Marc JOBSON is a constable in British Transport Police also based at London Liverpool Street.
At 6.30 p.m. on 11th July 2000 at Aldgate East Underground station both John and Marc responded to a routine call regarding a male person smoking on a train. When confronted the male became abusive and as the officers attempted to effect an arrest for his behaviour he became extremely violent.
The male eventually got his arm inside the back of Marc's protective vest and held him, repeatedly punching him in the back of the head. John engaged in a struggle attempting to free Marc. The male brought Marc to the ground and began pushing him towards the platform edge. At least four trains passed through the platform as the male tried to push Marc over the edge of the platform. John continued to try and free his colleague in a violent struggle which lasted about 10 minutes.
Eventually, other officers arrived and the male was subdued. He was arrested and charged with assault on both Marc and John. He was later detained at court under the Mental Health Act.
Both Marc and John were off duty on sick leave to recover from their injuries and trauma.
Both officers are to be commended for their actions in dealing with a potentially dangerous person on a crowded London Underground station.
John Howlett is pictured also collecting the award for Marc JOBSON.
