Peterborough man who tackled robber armed with a foot-long kitchen knife gets £500 reward

Duncan Leslie (37) ran after 33-year-old Russell Ebbage after he had robbed The Shopping Basket in Donaldson Drive, Paston in January.

Mr Leslie was able to recover the knife and cash Ebbage had escaped from the shop with.

On Wednesday, Ebbage, of Patterdale Drive, Gunthorpe was jailed for two years and eight months in prison for the robbery and possessing a bladed article at Peterborough Crown Court.

Following the hearing Mr Leslie, who lives in Freston, Paston, not far from the shop, said: “I went in to buy a Lottery ticket, and was filling it out, when I heard someone say ‘give me all the money’.

“I walked round and saw a bloke standing there with a huge knife.

“He was given the cash and went and got on a bike and rode off.

“I thought ‘I’m not having that’ so I chased after him.

“The chain came off his bike, so I got him, and took the knife and the money off him.

“It was a big knife, about 12 inches long. He said he was going to prison, and was trying to make me feel sorry for him.

“I took the money and the knife back to the shop afterwards for safe keeping.

“I have known the shopkeeper since he bought the shop.

“My family just asked why I had been so long at the shop.

“I would do it again. I work in security, but have never chased anyone with a knife before.”

Ebbage was arrested on February 4 at his home after the shop owner identified him.

In interview, Ebbage gave a full and frank admission to committing the robbery.

Detective Constable Kevin Poole praised Mr Leslie and said: “Ebbage admits what he did was wrong and realises just how serious an offence of robbery is.

“I hope the time he will spend behind bars will give him chance to reflect on his actions.

“The customer who gave chase showed great bravery in tackling Ebbage who was armed with a knife. As a result he has received a commendation from the judge and been awarded £500.”