AN HEROIC policewoman has won a judge’s praise for tackling an armed robber when she was off duty and doing her household shopping.

PC Sara Widdrington tackled gunman Robert Vogan when he held up a Tesco cashier in front of terrified customers and demanded money.

The gun was an imitation but PC Widdrington believed it was real and still grabbed it, York Crown Court heard. Vogan threatened to fire it as they struggled for several minutes.

Eventually, with the help of store manager David Keough, she managed to disarm the gunman.

Howard Shaw, prosecuting, said the gun was an air pistol that shot ball bearings but it could only be distinguished from a real firearm by “very close inspection”.

The Recorder of York, Judge Stephen Ashurst, said: “Her actions were in my judgement quite exceptional. She ought to be commended for her bravery.”

Supt Glyn Payne, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said: “I am extremely pleased that the judge has recognised Sara’s quick thinking and brave actions when she tackled a dangerous man, who had already threatened a member of staff and posed a risk to the public.

"Her outstanding conduct was in the highest traditions of the British police service and displayed the commitment shown by officers who serve our communities both on and off duty.”

In 2005, PC Widdrington was nominated as the North Yorkshire community police officer of the year.

Vogan, 52, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Tesco’s Westwood store in Scarborough and carrying an imitation firearm while committing an offence.

He was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in a medium secure psychiatric unit and the judge ordered he should not be released without the consent of the Ministry of Justice.

He has already served prison sentences of nine and five years for other armed robberies in North Yorkshire and London.

Mr Shaw said the incident terrified the cashier so much she could not stop trembling for hours afterwards, was on medication for several weeks and was attending counselling months later.

Vogan had been drinking. He bought the gun for £99 in order to carry out the robbery.

Mitigating, Taryn Turner said Vogan was suffering from schizophrenia. Two psychiatrists told the judge he had been mentally ill for some time and his actions may have been a “cry for help” as he was isolated socially.