PC praised for taking on two violent burglars

West Yorkshire officer PC Barry Hartley arrived at the scene alone, saw an intruder and followed him into the house where a second burglar was waiting.

PC Hartley detained Bradford father-of-four Richard Andrew but his accomplice got away with jewellery belonging to a deceased relative and a selection of gallantry and service medals.

Yesterday Judge Jonathan Durham Hall said PC Hartley had given a very good account of himself and he wanted the Chief Constable to note his very high commendation for his actions.

The judge said: “He detained a man despite a fierce struggle and suffering injury.”

Neighbour Jason Todd, who helped the officer detain Andrew, was also commended and awarded £250 from public funds.

Yesterday Andrew, 30, of Crossdale Avenue, Buttershaw, was jailed for 32 months.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Andrew and his accomplice had used a hired BMW to travel to Beechwood Road, Holmfield, Halifax to commit the burglary in January.

Prosecutor Stephen Wood said the intruders forced their way into the unoccupied house through a rear door.

PC Hartley arrived on the scene alone, but went to the rear door and was confronted by one of the startled intruders.

The officer followed the man back into the house and then became aware of a second intruder.

Mr Wood said a violent struggle started between the officer and the two men as they attempted to escape.

Although one man, who had never been identified, managed to flee, PC Hartley was able to keep hold of Andrew and with the assistance of Mr Todd the defendant was eventually restrained.

Mr Wood said although some of the stolen property was recovered, three passports, three watches, the sentimental jewellery and the medals were still outstanding.

Judge Durham Hall was told that Andrew had been jailed for a house burglary in 2005 and he rejected a submission by his lawyer Anne-Marie Hutton to suspend the prison term.

Miss Hutton said Andrew, who pleaded guilty to the burglary charge at a preliminary hearing last month, had expressed genuine remorse and sorrow over the offence.

She said at the time Andrew had become unemployed due to health difficulties and was in dire financial circumstances.

Judge Durham Hall said it had been a deliberate, planned and targeted burglary and he had to impose a significant sentence of imprisonment.

The judge said Mr Todd had behaved admirably.