A couple who intervened in an attempted murder at a Tonbridge nail bar two years ago been given an award for bravery, in the presence of the judge who presided at the trial.
In March 2020, Tonbridge resident Thuan Dinh lay in wait for his ex-wife in her nail bar, with a rope, which he used to try to strangle her. He also gouged her eyes with his fingers and stabbed her in the neck with a knife which was kept in the premises for cutting food.
During the struggle, a member of staff entered the nail bar and immediately rushed outside to raise the alarm.
Passers-by Roger Trask and Kathleen Jordon responded to the call and pulled Dinh off his victim and restrained him until police arrived.
Dinh pleaded not guilty, but on April 21 was sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years. He had also admitted a further charge of breaching a court restraining order.
Following the trial, Mr Trask and Ms Jordon were nominated for the High Sheriff of Kent’s award for bravery.
The ceremony took place last week at Maidstone Crown Court – where Dinh was convicted – and with His Honour Judge Philip St John-Stevens from the original trial in attendance.
The award was presented by the former High Sheriff John Weir, standing in for Russell Race.
Mr Weir said: “It is an honour to attend Maidstone Crown court today and join HHJ St John-Stevens to present bravery awards to Roger Trask and Kathleen Jordon for their outstanding courage, resulting in saving a life and detaining an offender.”
