Black belt karate coach thwarts would-be robber

If you were a robber targeting a convenience store the last thing you want to encounter is a shopper with a black belt in karate.

A would-be thief went into LOCO Convenience Store in Hadley Park Road, Telford, intending to take cash from the till.

But he came up against Mairi Kerin, who was in there buying chocolates.

After the man threatened shop workers, she stepped in and chased him out of the store.

Ms Kerin, who has been a karate coach for 12 years, said the man was dressed in black with only his eyes visible as he told the shopkeeper to give him all the money, during the incident in March 2023.

The 40-year-old said: "He then stepped forward, fumbling with something in his left pocket, and I knew I had to react, so I did, and he ran.

"I am incredibly grateful that no-one was hurt."

Ms Kerin has now been handed a Chief Superintendent Commendation Award for her quick thinking.

West Mercia Police said the "wannabe thief" quickly left the store empty-handed and the staff were unharmed.

After she was presented with the award she said she was glad to be able to help.

Thanking her for an "inspiring act of bravery", Ch Supt Edd Williams said: "Her quick thinking meant that no-one was harmed during this attempted robbery and no money or goods were stolen."

Three people were jailed last year for robberies across Telford in 2023. Police said the incident involving Ms Kerin was part of that case.

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