Hero rescued woman from sex attacker
Published: January 14, 2005
Plumber Derek Brooker has been hailed a hero after rescuing a young woman from the hands of a sex attacker.
The accolade came from police this week after Wayne Van Der Spuy was jailed for five years for indecently assaulting a 21-year-old South Norwood woman.
He struck as she got off a tram at the Arena stop on her way home almost two years ago.
Father-of-one Mr Brooker, 36, heard her screaming and ran to her aid, causing Van Der Spuy to run off.
At Croydon Crown Court last Friday, Van Der Spuy, 21, of Grasmere Road, Woodside, was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.
Detective Constable Rob Buckell, of Croydon Police’s Sapphire Unit, said: “This was a terrible assault.
“But for the brave actions of Mr Brooker, I am convinced it would have ended far worse. “He is undoubtedly a hero.”
Father-of-one Mr Brooker, from Shirley, said: “I had got off the tram and I thought I saw two men fighting, but then I heard a woman’s screams.
“It all happened so quickly, I didn’t have a chance to think about it.
“I would hope most people would do the same if they’d seen how serious it obviously was.”
DC Buckell also paid tribute to the victim, and said: “She is a hero too.
“She has been put through 20 months of waiting for trial.
“Her resolve to stand in open court and face her attacker and never give up, when she could have thrown in the towel long ago, is a testament to her courage.
“It should provide strength to women everywhere.
“We hope this sends out a clear message that the Croydon Police Sapphire Unit will investigate and bring to justice perpetrators of any sexual crime.”
Judge Simon Pratt awarded Mr Brooker £500 from public funds as a reward for his bravery.
Van Der Spuy had denied the offence, but was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court in November.
Mr Brooker said: “I was not really expecting to be called a hero, and certainly not to get a reward.
“It is all a bit embarrassing really.”
He said his fianceé, Tracey Ruddock, was very proud of him.
He added: “I just feel very sad for the girl, who has had to wait so long for him to be sent to prison.
“I hope she can now get on with her life.”
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