FROM tackling armed robbers to using innovative new ways to fight crime – there was plenty to celebrate at Hampshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable’s Awards.

The special ceremony was held at Netley and gave Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney the chance to recognise the courageous acts of two particular members of the public – Tommy and Abbey Jones from Grayshott, who received the Chief Constable Commendations for bravery, grit and courage during an attempted armed robbery.

The daring, quick-thinking husband and wife duo didn’t think twice about taking action when they found themselves at the centre of an armed robbery.

Tommy and Abbey Jones were in Lloyds Bank, Liphook, on May 16, last year, when a man entered holding a gun, demanding money from the cashier.

Tommy sprang into action, punching the armed man and the pair started grappling for the gun.

Abbey grabbed the armed man’s bag, which contained vital DNA evidence.

A second man holding a knife then came into the bank and started stabbing Tommy before the gunman shot him in the face, turning and pointing the gun at Abbey threatening to shoot her before fleeing the bank.

Tommy was treated for an air pellet injury to his jaw and a stab wound to his stomach, while Abbey was left traumatised by the ordeal.

Hampshire’s Chief Constable stated that, without doubt, the bravery of Mr and Mrs Jones forced the two would-be robbers to flee the bank empty-handed.

She added: “Their courageous intervention also caused one of the men’s faces to be uncovered, which alongside DNA evidence from the bag, led to his arrest.

“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to thank those members of the public who have put their own safety at risk and showed immense bravery to protect others.”

Jonathan Pay, 46, of Liphook Road, Lindford, was jailed for 16-and-a-half years last November.

At a celebration with friends and family in Grayshott, Tommy told The Herald: “We were the only civilians at the ceremony, which lasted about 90 minutes. It was very formal and all the police were fantastic.

“It made us feel that we were really appreciated. Especially since we are from a travelling family and don’t often get recognised, which is why I would like to dedicate this award to all the travelling fraternity.”

The couple are also due to get an award from the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Mary Montagu-Scott.

Tommy still suffers severe pain from the pellet lodged in his neck and has been advised by consultants at the Royal Surrey County Hopsital, in Guildford, and St Thomas Hospital, in Tooting, to wait for another 18 months, before contemplating any surgery, which could leave him paralysed.

He said: “I ache all the time and have also had an allergic reaction to some of the pain killers – it’s a bit of a trial and error, but the consultants have been fantastic.

“My wife is still traumatised by last year’s events and can’t go out on her own.

“She gets nervous standing in a queue, is suspicious of anyone in the street and has not been inside a bank since the robbery. But victim support has been absolutely terrific to her.”

Tommy and Abbey, who are pictured receiving their award, have just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary, after being together for 38 years – they met when they were only 11 and 12 years old.