TWO security guards have been honoured by police for their quick-thinking and bravery in bringing a dangerous offender to justice at the Royal Welsh Show.

Temporary Dyfed Powys Police Chief Constable Claire Parmenter presented Gary Jones and Gareth Cummins with a Special Recognition Award virtually at the Dyfed Powys Police Annual Awards on Wednesday, May 12. The awards were due to take place in spring 2020 but were cancelled following the coronavirus outbreak and replaced with a series of virtual presentations online.

Working for the Young Farmers’ Club (YFC), the Diogel Events security duo were part of the team providing security at the Young People’s Village, a popular campsite at the 2019 Royal Welsh Show.

On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, just after 5am, a CCTV operator raised the alarm when a silver Volkswagen Golf was spotted driving dangerously and entering the main gate of the campsite. The team attempted to engage with the driver but in a bid to escape, he accelerated forwards, forcing Mr Jones to jump onto the car bonnet to avoid serious injury.

The security guard then punched the windscreen, causing it to smash and obscure the driver’s view. Mr Cummins jumped over a metal gate to assist his colleague just before the driver rammed through it and crashed into a lighting tower. Undeterred, the brave security guards pulled the driver and passenger from the car and detained them until officers arrived at the scene.

Emlyn Jones, owner of the events management company, was thrilled to hear the announcement of the awards. “All of us here at Diogel Events are very proud of Gary and Gareth,” he said.

“What they did was above and beyond what is expected of our security personnel. They put themselves at risk to protect others. They did a fantastic job and it was great to see the security staff and police working together.”

At court the offender was found guilty of driving while disqualified, using a vehicle while uninsured and dangerous driving. He was disqualified from driving and received a custodial sentence. Chief Constable Parmenter said: “Thanks to the fearless actions and sharp decision-making of both Gary and Gareth, a dangerous driver was brought to justice and removed from our roads.

“We do not know what the result of that evening would have been if the Diogel Events security team had not intervened, but we are thankful to them for keeping the public safe from any potential harm.”