A COURT usher who helped capture an armed robber after he vaulted over the dock at Warrington Crown Court has been rewarded for acting above and beyond the call of duty'.

Warrington man Keith Tomlinson, aged 56, has been given £250 and put forward for the Chief Sheriff of Cheshire Award for his heroics after he caught Gregory Lenehan on December 21 last year.

Lenehan, of Widnes, stunned the Legh Street courtroom after being sentenced to seven years in prison for attempted robbery and possession of an imitation fire arm.

The 31-year-old shouted "I didn't do it!" and leapt over the dock.

He was tackled by Mr Tomlinson but wriggled out of his grasp.

Barrister Jonathan Clarke attempted to stop the criminal on the stairs, but he was knocked to the floor and received a cut on the back of his head, before Lenehan was finally pinned down at the foot of the stairs.

Lenehan pleaded guilty to escape, this time appearing in the secure dock of court two.

Mr Clarke told police that, while Lenehan was held down by security, he was clearly tearful' and emotional' and did not put up any resistance.

Steve Hoolohan, prosecuting, said "He was saying things like It's not right', I didn't do it' and I just want to see my kids'."

Michael Scholes, defending, said his client had immediately apologised for the incident.

Judge Elgan Edwards, Recorder of Chester, praised Mr Tomlinson.

He said: "We are all extremely proud of him for acting in this way - above and beyond the call of duty."

The judge added that security in court one is now being reviewed.

Sentencing Lenehan to an additional six months in prison, Judge Edwards said: "I give you credit that you pleaded guilty and didn't waste any more time.

"However, this is a serious matter.

"Escape from lawful custody cannot be tolerated by the courts."