School staff who intervened honored

Two school workers who arrested a teenager carrying a piece of glass have been praised for their “selfless and heroic actions”.

Louis Melotte, then 17, attacked a 12-year-old girl at Birley Academy in Sheffield on May 1, before turning on youth worker Molly Bulmer and receptionist Alicia Richards when they intervened.

Ms Bulmer and Ms Richards were presented with judge’s commendation certificates on behalf of Judge Jeremy Richardson, who oversaw Melotte’s trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Det Ch Insp Andy Knowles, of South Yorkshire Police, said they showed “incredible bravery” as they “put themselves in danger to protect the children”.

Ms Bulmer, who was working as a youth worker at the school that day, reacted “without hesitation” and arrested Melotte, with receptionist Ms Richards holding him down to allow the student and her friends to escape.

They suffered minor injuries and were able to hold Melotte until police arrived at the scene and arrested him.

In his commendation Judge Richardson praised the couple for their “community intervention”.

He said: “You did not hold back but intervened very boldly without any thought for your own safety.”

“Their actions deserve great praise as they stand in the best educational tradition.”

Melotte, of Jaunty Avenue, Sheffield, was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial in August.

He had previously pleaded guilty to bringing an object containing a blade into a school.

Melotte, now 18, was given a ten-year extended sentence, which includes five years in a young offenders’ institution and an extended license period of five years.

Det Ch Insp Knowles, who presented Ms Bulmer and Ms Richards with their certificates alongside Det Con Tom Ryan, said: “The incident, which was captured on CCTV and has since been released to the public, shows how brave these two women faced some.” the most extreme violence imaginable, with no regard for their own safety.

“I have no doubt that it was the actions of Ms Richards and Ms Bulmer that saved the community of Birley from the most unimaginable tragedy and I am truly humbled by their courage.”

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