Thief Who Attacked Beautician Jailed

Helen Walker following the assault
Pic: Andy Carpenter

A judge has praised the bravery of a Market Harborough beautician who tackled a thief in her salon.

Helen Walker was left with facial injuries and bruises to her body after being punched and kicked by Simon Thraves, when she tried to stop him leaving The Beauty Lounge on The Square, believing he’d stolen from her handbag.

Leicester Crown Court heard he had stolen a bank card from the handbag of a worker at a near-by estate agents, just before the incident on November the 20^th last year.

Thraves, 46, who pleaded guilty to assault and theft, has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, which is added to a jail term he is already serving for burglary.

Judge Nick Watson said to Thraves: “This is a very nasty attack on somebody who was brave enough to stand up to you.

“Ms Walker deserves a great deal of credit for her bravery and willingness to try to stop you.

“You were clearly up to no good in her salon. Despite hitting her she still tried to stop you and was injured as a consequence. Fortunately, the injuries were not as serious as they might have been.

“She had to take time off work and had to suffer the pain and discomfort of these injuries.

“Perhaps the only compensation she can gain from this is the full admiration of this court for her courage and how she stood up to this man.”

After the case Ms Walker told Hfm she hoped Thraves could change his ways.

She said: “If he comes out a better person then there is one less bad person on the streets. I don’t want anyone to got through the pain and anguish I suffered.

“I am glad he was punished for what he did as the message needs to go out that you can’t go around hurting people and stealing.

“The comments about me from the judge are lovely. I want to thank the judge for the recognition that I wasn’t going to stand and watch him take something for me.”