It was no big deal, says teenager who tackled bag snatcher

A SCHOOLBOY has shrugged off claims he is a hero after chasing down an opportunist thief and recovering the victim’s stolen handbag.

Joe Lafferty smilingCOURIER/ DOUGIE NICOLSON,

Joe Lafferty caught the mugger and wrestled the bag from him

Modest Joe Lafferty bravely went after the crook who targeted Elizabeth Borthwick, 84, as she was doing volunteer work at a Fife hospital.

The 14-year-old caught up with the mugger and wrestled the bag from him before returning it to Mrs Borthwick – then refused her offer of a cash reward.

Despite being hailed a hero by the OAP, senior police officers and even Celtic FC, Joe, of Kirkcaldy, said: “It wasn’t really a big deal.

“You could say it was a courageous thing I did but it could have been my gran who had her bag stolen.

“I would hope someone would have done the same for her.”

The Kirkcaldy High School pupil, who wants to be a police officer, was undergoing dental treatment at the town’s Victoria Hospital when staff raised the alarm.

Mrs Borthwick, who helps care for patients and visitors in her role with the Royal Voluntary Service, was attacked seconds after withdrawing money from a hospital cash machine.

As the thief fled through the hospital corridors, RVS manager Alyson Hutton shouted for help and Joe leapt into action.

He managed to get Mrs Borthwick’s bag and cash back and the thief, who was later traced by police, pleaded guilty to theft and is now awaiting sentence.

Ms Hutton, who comforted Mrs Borthwick following the incident, last night described Joe as her “wee hero”. She said: “As soon as this happened I phoned the school.

“Kids get a bum deal these days. Joe is such an inspirational wee kid. An absolute treasure.

“And I know Elizabeth is over the moon that Joe is to be rewarded as well.”

Kirkcaldy High School rector Derek Allan praised Joe for his “selfless action” and commended him “in the highest terms for an act of real bravery”.

He said: “He is a credit to the school and to his family. I’m immensely proud of Joe.”

Joe, who is a keen Celtic fan, has been invited to be their guest of honour in the directors’ box at the League Cup final against Dundee United at Hampden on Sunday.

Celtic FC PR officer Rhona Macdonald told him: “You truly are a hero and you should be very proud of yourself.”

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