[A] MODEST have-a-go hero who fought off two armed robbers as he delivered bread to a Cumbrian shop has been honoured.
Dale Cairnie was unloading loaves at Wigton’s Co-op store, at around 4am on June 8, when he was approached by two masked men carrying blades. They attempted to ambush Mr Cairnie, first demanding cigarettes and then ordering him to hand over his phone and cash.
The 41-year-old Dumfries-born father-of-four, who now lives in Carlisle, refused. Instead Mr Cairnie, carrying a metal bar he was using to move his load, fought off the two drug addicts. They fled and were caught nearby by police after the driver had raised the alarm.
They were each jailed for six years at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this year having admitted robbery and knife possession.
Mr Cairnie was only making the delivery as a relief driver because a colleague was unavailable. He was put forward for a commendation, which he received today (TUES) from Cumbria’s High Sheriff, Alistair Wannop.
During a crown court ceremony, Judge Peter Davies said: “This award is to recognise you, Mr Cairnie, and your courage and your selfless intervention to help the police to make sure both these men were brought to justice.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Cairnie said he was “chuffed” with the commendation, but stated of the incident: “I just took it in my stride.”
