Lindsey Wakeman, general manager of Stonegate Group pub The Registry in Walsall, has been awarded a National Pubwatch bravery and meritorious conduct award for her quick-thinking actions to protect a vulnerable customer and help in apprehending a potential offender.
The award, which was presented at the annual National Pubwatch dinner at the House of Lords recognises individuals whose actions have either saved lives or minimised physical harm in the night-time economy.
National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK, and works to promote safe, secure and social drinking environments in all licensed premises throughout the UK.
In 2023 a female customer was on a night out at the venue and came to the bar asking for help. She had spotted a male outside the bar, who she identified as an attacker from a previous assault. The crime had been reported to the police at the time, but no arrest was made as the suspect could not be found.
The female was taken to a safe area. Meanwhile, Lindsey allowed the man entry registering his information on an ID scanner. She also chose to follow the man when he left the venue and phoned the police with information that enabled him in be taken into custody.
Lindsey said: “I feel very humbled to be nominated for this award, especially as I feel extremely passionate about the safety of everyone in our Walsall community. Myself, my team and Stonegate Group have and will always continue to work tirelessly on our guests’ safety to ensure people feel safe in our venues while having a great night out.”
National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker, OBE, said: “Lindsey Wakeman went above and beyond to protect this vulnerable female customer and assist in the apprehension of this individual. It is a privilege to reward her for this brave act that allowed this person to be apprehended as well as helping to make the late-night sector in Walsall a safer place.”
