A BRAVE Hayes man who split up a mass brawl after hearing a woman scream has been specially commended by the British Transport Police (BTP).
Jake Farr, 20, was at Slough Rail Station on the evening of June 18 2009, when he stepped in to help three couples who had been set upon by a dozen drunken revellers coming from Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
He was punched and elbowed in the face after pulling one of the men from the fracas and trying to calm him down, and the group soon dispersed.
Mr Farr stayed at the scene, and gave police a witness statement. He later picked some of the suspects out of an ID parade, and his assured testimony against four of the men in court resulted in convictions and prison terms.
He was given the Chief Constable's Commendation at a BTP ceremony on October 14.
Described by a 'hero' by one of the women involved, Mr Farr said: "My family have always brought me up to respect women and I just knew at that moment that I had go and help. I didn’t stop to think about the situation I was putting myself in; I just knew I had to step in.
"I’m very pleased and proud to receive the award, although I don’t think I did anything out of the ordinary, I just did what I hope anyone would have done."
BTP Chief Constable Andrew Trotter said: "Jake gave no thought to his own safety and, despite being heavily outnumbered, he chose to step into a dangerous situation and do all that he could to help.
"Jake’s actions were selfless, public-spirited and those of a very brave and courageous young man. I am delighted to be able to congratulate and commend him."
