An off-duty police officer who tackled a knife-wielding shoplifter in a busy town centre says he feels proud after receiving an award in memory of a police officer who died in the line of duty.
Sergeant Rishi Thobhani was walking along High Street, Arnold, when he spotted shop staff chasing after prolific thief Michael Delaney.
Delaney, who was known for intimidating staff and using threats of violence, had just stolen a number of items from the nearby Poundland store.
Sgt Thobhani – who was a constable at the time of the incident in May 2024 – identified himself as a police officer and instructed him to stop. When Delaney refused, a foot chase ensued.
Delaney then produced a large knife and threatened to stab the officer if he continued to follow him.
The incident took place in the middle of the day with members of the public present.
As Sgt Thobhani attempted to detain him, Delaney threatened to stab the officer, with the tip of the blade only a few centimetres from his face.
Luckily, he managed to pull the knife away and ensure Delaney was detained before further officers arrived on the scene to take him into custody. He was later jailed for 18 months.
Sergeant Rishi Thobhani was a PC at the time of the incident
Such was Sergeant Thobhani’s bravery, he was presented with the PC Ged Walker Award at this year’s Nottinghamshire Police Force Awards, held on Monday (June 30).
The award is named in Ged’s memory after he was killed on duty in 2003.
Sgt Thobhani was nominated by Sergeant Wayne Tear, who said his “unwavering commitment to public safety, bravery and professionalism during the high-risk encounter” deserved recognition, and that his actions “exemplify the high standards of Nottinghamshire police officers”.
Sgt Thobhani said he felt “proud” to win the accolade. He said:
“As the incident unfolded, all I could think about was the need to take the knife off him.
“He was trying to kill me and so I needed to protect myself and the public.
“Whether you’re on-duty or off-duty, whether you’re wearing the police uniform or not, it is your duty as a police officer to protect the public.
“I joined the police to do just that, so if this incident was to happen again, I’d do the same thing all over again.
“It’s something I’ve signed up for and helping people is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
THE GED WALKER STORY
On Tuesday, 7 January 2003, a car, previously stolen from the Borrowash area of Derbyshire, was sighted in the Piccadilly area of Bulwell, Nottingham.
The driver of the vehicle abandoned it and fled across the rear of house gardens situated adjacent to the Bulwell Common Golf Course.
A number of police officers including PC Ged Walker attended the scene and commenced a search.
The offender sought refuge in a house, but upon being discovered, used the telephone to order a taxi.
Shortly after 1pm the same day, Ged, accompanied by police dog Kai, saw the offender run from the house in St Albans Road and jump into the driver’s seat of the stationary taxi.
Ged ran to the driver’s door to detain the offender. He reached into the taxi through a partially open window where he attempted to pull the keys from the ignition, but without success.
The offender with total disregard for the safety of the officer, accelerated up the road with Ged still attempting to detain him.
The vehicle reached speeds of up to 30mph before Ged was thrown from the vehicle, sustaining serious head injuries.
