A TRAVELLING showman from Grayshott is to receive a special bravery award from Hampshire Police’s Chief Constable, Olivia Pinkney, after tackling a bank robber who shot him in the face.

Have-a-go-hero, Tommy Jones, was shot with a pellet from an air gun and was stabbed by a second armed raider – who is still at large – during an attempted robbery at Lloyds Bank, in Liphook, in May.

The pellet is lodged in the base of his neck – and could leave his face paralysed if there were complications should surgeon’s try to remove it.

The 50 year old told The Herald: “I reacted completely on instinct – but my life could have ended that day in the bank. My wife was in the queue to deposit some money and when it happened at first, we all thought it was a joke.

“But I quickly realised the guy was serious. So I just decided to go for him and punched him.

“He tried to get away but I stopped him. Then he fell to the floor and I nearly got the gun off him, when his friend stabbed me with a knife and then I was shot in the face. They both ran off.

“It was all very instinctive! The staff at the bank were very nice and apologetic and tried to help me after I was stabbed and shot.

“Hampshire Police were fantastic – they were really outstanding and I have been nominated for a bravery award by the Chief Constable, which will be presented in January.”

Jonathan Pay, 46 of Liphook Road, Lindford, was jailed for 16-and-a-half years at Winchester Crown Court last week.

He was charged with two counts of attempted robbery, one count of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and one count of wounding with intent.

On October 17, he pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent, having already admitted attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Tommy added: “I am really happy with the verdict - over the moon. He really deserves what he was given.

“I have since been referred to St George’s Hospital in Tooting as a high risk – because I could be totally paralysed in my face if they operate to take the pellet out.

“I am on more than 100 tablets a day and my two consultants are arguing whether to take the pellet out or not. When I lie down on my right hand side, I get what feels like an electric shock, like a sharp object in my ear and my cheek, as well as stiffness in my neck.

“The pellet went through my cheek and earhole and is now lodged in the base of my neck. I personally want them to take it out, but I have to have another cat scan to see if it has moved.

“The consultants believe the pellet is caught up in scar tissue. Since the incident, my wife has not been well. She gets the jitters and does not want to go out on her own and she has to have counselling.

“We are traveling show people, living on the edge of Grayshott village and we often get bad press. But we live in a community within a community and one of my sons is a fireman at Grayshott Fire Station. Since I was injured, we have been overwhelmed by the support and sympathy from the people in the village.

A Lloyds Bank spokesman told The Herald: “We are very grateful to Mr Jones for his brave actions during the incident in our Liphook branch earlier this year. We have been in regular contact with Mr Jones and his family since to check on their welfare and offer our support.”

A Lloyds director for North Hampshire and Surrey has visited Mr Jones in his home on a number of occasions since the incident, in addition to numerous telephone conversations, and that the bank has also provided access to the group’s external counselling service – normally reserved for bank staff – to support Mr Jones and his wife.

Grayshott district councillor Ferris Cowper told The Herald: “Tommy is a great guy and a friend. His amazing courage and commitment without thought for his personal safety is a standard to which all of us can aspire.

“His community spirit is typically Grayshott and his selflessness is a reminder of the value brought to our village by the show people and their families.”

Police officers were called to reports that two men had demanded cash at Lloyds Bank in Liphook, at 4.10pm, on May 16.

One was armed with a knife and the other with an air gun, which was discharged. Both men then fled the scene empty-handed.

Jonathan Pay was charged with two counts of attempted robbery, but a 31-year-old man of no fixed address, who was arrested in relation to this incident, was later released without charge after answering bail.

Dc Kat Bird said: “During the struggle a second man, who we have been unable to identify, stabbed the customer in the abdomen before Pay also shot him with an air-gun.

During sentencing the judge stated Pay had acted in a “chilling and callous way” and it was “clear” he was “dangerous”.

Dc Bird added: “Thankfully nobody else was seriously hurt, and we are continuing to carry out enquiries to establish the identity of the second man involved in the attempted robbery.”

If you have any information about the case call 101, or call Crimestoppers free, and anonymously on 0800 555111.