Sam graduated from Northampton University last year where he was studying Social Care and is currently working at Enterprise Rent a Car in Northampton on their graduate management scheme. 

Sam and his university friend, Michael Smith, received their award at the Northamptonshire Police Proud Awards which are an annual ceremony attended by Police Officers and staff which celebrate the fantastic work taking place across the Force to fight crime and protect people.

Hosted by Chief Constable Nick Adderley, the event took place on Monday, December 12 last year at Rockingham Castle, the home of Lord Lieutenant James Saunders Watson, and the High Sheriff for Northamptonshire Crispin Holborow, to congratulate the winners.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: “the awards were presented to people who have shown immense bravery, dedication, and creativity in their roles to help fight crime and protect people”.

The story in which Sam and Michael showed tremendous bravery was documented like this: "On Thursday 16th June 2021 in Hester Street, Northampton, Mr Rowley and Mr Smith were at their home address when they witnessed a Mr. Grant Harding attacking the victim, Robert Jadecki, in the street. Mr Jadecki was a homeless man who was sleeping rough in a Co Op loading bay when he was assaulted by Mr Harding who punched and kicked him repeatedly to the head.

Mr Smith and Mr Rowley came out of their house into the street and joined other members of the public to provide Mr Jadecki with first aid.  Police arrived at the scene and while they were present Mr Harding came out of his address.  He was pointed out to officers who informed him that he was under arrest however he made off on foot.  Mr Harding was chased by Police Officers and by Mr Smith and Mr Rowley. Officers lost Mr Harding during the pursuit but Mr Smith was alone in being able to keep up with him.  Mr Smith continued to chase Mr Harding until he attempted to climb a fence, at which point Mr Smith physically detained him.  Mr Rowley remained with the police officers present and was able to contact Mr Smith who was able to guide officers to their location.  Mr Harding was subsequently taken into custody.

Following the incident, Robert Jadecki was taken to hospital, but sadly died of the injuries he sustained at Mr. Harding’s hands.

Both Mr Rowley and Mr Smith attended court and gave important evidence at Mr Harding’s trial, which resulted in his conviction for murder.

Mr Smith and Mr Rowley were recognised officially for their outstanding sense of civic duty and courage in assisting the police detain this dangerous individual, and for helping to ensure he was brough to justice for this crime".

Chief Constable, Nick Adderley – Northamptonshire Police, Proud Awards - December 2022

The story appeared Here in more detail in the Northampton Chronicle, and summarised for our readers below: 

The artice by Logan MacLeod on16th Dec 2022 reads, “A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after brutally beating a vulnerable homeless man to death in a racially aggravated attack in Northampton.

Grant Harding, previously of Hester Street, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on Friday (December 14) for killing 44-year-old homeless man Robert Jadecki, described as “amiable” by those who knew him. Harding was found guilty of murder after a trial in August this year.

Mr Jadecki died hours after Harding launched what onlookers described as an “animalistic, brutal and vicious” one-minute attack in the early hours of June 16, 2021.

The court heard how Harding finished work that day, went to the pub and told a friend he was going to get “out of his head”, “smack somebody” and likely “end up in jail”.

Prosecuting, Karim Khalil, said Harding “knew what he was likely to do that night by taking drink and drugs but continued to do it nonetheless”.

By midnight, Harding was heavily intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine and went to the Co-op shop in Hester Street, where he saw the “defenceless” Mr Jedecki in a sleeping bag and offered him a drink.

Judge Adrienne Lucking said: "When Robert Jadecki told you he was from Poland your attitude towards him changed. Robert Jadecki saying he was from Poland triggered your violent response."

Witnesses said Harding launched a torrent of racist abuse at Mr Jedecki before stamping, kicking and punching him to death. Witnesses also heard Harding repeatedly tell Mr Jedecki he was “going to kill him”.

After the minute-long assault, Harding tried to run away but was caught by a University of Northampton student, who is set to receive a High Sheriff commendation.

Defending, David Nathan, said that Harding has been bullied all his life for his ears, speech and hearing.

Mr Nathan said: "It is difficult to reject if he had not have gone through this experience as a child, would this offence have occurred? No."

Sentencing, Judge Lucking said: "The last moments of Robert Jadecki's conscious life were filled with pain and fear.

"I am sure you intended to kill Robert Jadecki.

"You chose to put yourself in that violent state of mind.

"You pose a very real risk of causing further serious offences."

Harding was sentenced to 27 years in jail. The killer was also placed on licence for the rest of his life.

Detective Sergeant Robert Gray from the Major Crime Team at the East Midlands Special Operations Unit said: “Robert Jadecki was a mild-mannered man who was well-thought of in the local community as well as by the Hope Centre.

“He was assaulted by Grant Harding in a vicious and unprovoked attack so I am really pleased that Harding has been handed this lengthy prison sentence as a result.

“Being homeless does not make Robert’s death any less important than anyone else’s, and again, we really want to highlight this point.

“Hester Street was Robert’s home, and he was savagely beaten to death in his sleeping bag. He didn’t deserve to die, and I am pleased that we have been able to give him the justice he deserves.”

TWGSB are very proud of Sam and his heroism and also despite being busy, he took the time to see the process through to the end by attending the court hearing so as to ensure such a dangerous man was put behind bars.  He is a credit to his former school.  Well done Sam!

If you have a story you would like to share with our community, please do let us know: connect@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk or ltipler@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk