An “excellent role model for his generation” has been honoured with a bravery award.
The “selfless” behaviour of courageous Fife teenager Joe Lafferty, who chased after a handbag thief, was recognised by Police Scotland.
The force’s annual bravery and meritorious ceremony, held at Police Scotland College at Tulliallan, recognises acts of exceptional bravery or the meritorious conduct of police officers, police staff, special constables and members of the public.
A total of 49 people were presented with awards at the ceremony.
Joe, who comes from Kirkcaldy, was presented with a Chief Constable’s bravery sward following his intervention in the robbery.
It was back in February when Joe became a have a go hero.
The brave teenager, who was only 14 at the time, was at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy undergoing dental treatment when he saw an opportunist thief snatch a handbag from an elderly woman who had just visited the cash machine.
Elizabeth Borthwick, an 84-year-old volunteer with the Royal Voluntary Service at the hospital, when the thief struck.
As the thief fled though the hospital corridors RVS manager Alyson Hutton shouted for him to stop and Joe, without a thought for his own safety, sprang into action.
Joe ran off after him and retrieved the handbag.
Traced via CCTV, the thief later pleaded guilty to the crime.
Joe, a pupil at Kirkcaldy High School, was praised for his “quick and brave actions” which were described as not only admirable but showing great courage for someone of this age.
At the time he played down his role, saying he hoped someone would have done the same for his gran.
Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren, the divisional commander for Fife, said: “This was an extremely brave act by Joe, particularly given he was only 14 years old.
“His swift response meant a would-be thief was thwarted and a woman reunited with her possessions.
“I am very glad that Joe’s bravery has been recognised and I’m delighted we’ve had the opportunity to do so publicly at these awards.
“He is certainly an excellent role model for his generation.”
Joe has already been presented with a special achiever’s tie by his school and was also given a Scottish Government Brave@Heart award by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in October.