Witness gives £10,000 reward to rape victim confined to wheelchair

[flvegan]

A man who was awarded £10,000 for helping police to track down a violent rapist has given the money to the victim.

The woman was left for dead under a truck after being attacked by Jakub Tomczak. She spent weeks in a coma and is still confined to a wheelchair more than three years after the attack. Tomczak was later given a double life sentence.

Lloyd Gardner, 22, came forward in response to a Crimestoppers appeal broadcast after the woman was found naked and unconscious. Her attacker had been caught earlier on a closed-circuit television camera as he chatted to two women in the street in Exeter.

Mr Gardner, a restaurant manager, recognised the two Polish women and put them in touch with the police, which led to Tomczak’s identification. He said: “I thought what I told police was quite minor but they told me it was what they needed and had been a vital part of the case.”

<snip>

“I didn’t feel like I’d earned it,” he said. “The fact that such a horrific thing happened to that lady, I thought it would benefit her life more than it would mine. I just wanted to try and improve her standard of life. It is a huge amount of money but I’ve been lucky throughout my life — she nearly died and was left in a horrendous state after the attack.

“I thought the money would go a lot further to improve her situation. I just wanted to help in any way possible and I hope this has done that.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6868673.ece

Something a bit positive for a change from our news outlets.

[ThomCat]

1. That is a very good person.

I hope that money is able to help her in some way.

But it sounds like she has very severe, permanent damage from that attack. I know from personal experience that being in constant pain, being in a wheelchair, life becomes expensive and difficult. I can't imagine the viciousness of that attack and how much she has gone through, or what she is still going through. :cry:

I hope she is finding a way to heal emotionally, mentally and physically. I hope she is finding ways to be well.

I hope publicity from this act of kindness doesnt' inadvertently reopen wounds. :(

[rfranklin]

13. This is what Jesus told us about the Good Samaritan...

Too bad that there are so many Bad Samaritans amongst us.

[stuball111]

2. Nice to see good people around...

And a feel good story for a change...:toast:

[Triana]

3. That's one fine man there...

...exemplary human being.

[snagglepuss]

5. You got that right. How many people would give away $20,000?

It's just pure goodness.

[LisaL]

8. Especially to a stranger.

That certainly was nice of him.

[Ken Burch]

18. Indeed.

n/t.

[Skittles]

4. very decent gesture

blood money belongs to the victims

[NYC_SKP]

6. Wow!

How very, very human of him, that makes me proud of my species.

:applause:

[Odin2005]

7. I wish there were more people like this guy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. K&R for a great story...

[whathehell]

10. A very good man.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

11. I cry for women

we seem to be the objects...objects to be TAKEN by twisted men, objects to be exploited by marketing interests, objects to feature in provocative headlines, objects to be saved by the chivalrous.

Are we truly so dependent upon the kindness of strangers?

We thank god for the chivalrous, as I do for this man, but I am welling up with grief for this woman and all of us who may only be accused of being a woman.

[aikoaiko]

12. A decent human being.

:applause:

[SallyMander]

14. I think i got something in my eye

My heart breaks for this woman -- i hope this can help her in some small way as she recovers from this ordeal. :cry:

K&R

[BrklynLiberal]

15. People like Mr. Gardner are what helps me hopeful for humankind...

[Luciferous]

16. Nice... K&R

[winyanstaz]

17. A genuine American hero :)

Thank you sir for showing us all...there are still decent people on the planet. :)

[bertman]

19. A genuine British hero. Bless him for his generosity and selfless spirit.

Recommend.

[MissMarple]

20. He is a good man.

[Oldtimeralso]

21. Great story about a Great Person!

[valerief]

22. Can you imagine an American CEO doing such a nice act?

No, I didn't think so.